Alberta’s poultry industry is facing one of the most severe avian flu seasons in recent memory. Scott Olson, a turkey farmer in the Wetaskiwin area, has experienced his third outbreak and cull due to the disease. His 10,000-bird flock was lost earlier in the year during the wild geese migration and again in the fall. Now, as he awaits inspection, Olson is diligently disinfecting his barns and preparing to restart operations with new hatchlings after Christmas.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has identified 11 commercial poultry farms in Alberta as active quarantine and containment zones as of November 30. This surge in avian flu cases is a stark contrast to previous years, with only six outbreaks reported in 2024 and a significant increase in cases in 2022 and 2023.
Across Alberta, approximately 2.5 million birds have succumbed to avian influenza, making it the second most affected province after British Columbia. The proximity of poultry facilities to waterways where migrating birds nest has been identified as a key factor in the spread of the disease.
Farmers are implementing strict biosecurity measures to prevent further outbreaks, including isolating flocks, restricting visitor access, and thorough sanitation protocols. Despite these efforts, the challenge of maintaining high-level bio-safety in farm operations remains a concern.
The economic impact of avian flu outbreaks on individual farmers is significant, with months of work and potential profits lost. Compensation from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for culled animals may not fully cover expected earnings, adding financial strain to affected producers.
To combat the spread of avian flu, farms are designated as “primary containment zones” where strict protocols are enforced to eradicate the disease. The process involves depopulating affected farms, monitoring wild bird deaths in the vicinity, and thorough disinfection before resuming operations.
While the avian flu situation in Alberta continues to unfold, farmers like Scott Olson are grappling with the emotional and financial toll of recurring outbreaks. The ongoing efforts to contain the disease underscore the challenges faced by the poultry industry in safeguarding their operations and livelihoods.
