After the death of 10 million birds, there's a glimmer of hope for B.C.'s poultry farmers
Poultry farmers in British Columbia are implementing advanced biosecurity measures, including hospital-grade air filtration, to protect their flocks from avian influenza. Government-funded programs have seen high adoption rates and positive early results in preventing infections.
Why it matters
Avian influenza poses a significant threat to food security and the agricultural economy, making technological interventions critical for industry stability.
Matt and Richele Burgsma and their kids at the Abbotsford Canada Day celebrations this summer. The chicken farmers recently installed an air filtration system in their barns. (Credit: Adrian Groeneveld) Splashing in puddles is a no-go for chicken farmers Matt and Richele Burgsma's three kids this fall.
As wild birds begin their southward migration over B.C., the Abbotsford couple is tightening up biosecurity measures that have become routine four years into a global avian influenza outbreak that has led to the death of more than 10 million birds in B.C.
That means changing boots twice between the house and barn, and closing farm gates. It also means parks, ponds, and especially puddles, are off limits to the farmers' kids.
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