Avian influenza or bird flu refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses, and occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide, and can affect domestic poultry, including food-producing birds (chickens, turkeys, etc.), as well as pet and wild birds. Avian influenza is rare in humans and generally does not spread easily between people.
There have been recent recordings of Avian Influenza outbreaks within southern British Columbia. For most residents in Vanderhoof, the District asks you to take caution around any wild birds. If you think a wild bird may be infected, please contact the Forest, Lands, Natural Resources Operations, and Rural Development at (250) 751-3234.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has posted a resource response and general orders for regulated commercial chicken and turkey operations, as well as commercial duck and geese (both live and egg) producers starting April 15, 2022 and ending at 11:59 p.m. on May 13, 2022. Full response here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/animals-and-crops/animal-health/reportable-notifiable-diseases/avian-influenza-ai
For more information on the Avian Influenza, please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/migratory-game-bird-hunting/avian-influenza-wild-birds.html
