Avian influenza has been detected in five commercial poultry flocks across Manitoba, prompting immediate culling measures to contain the outbreak. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the cases, all of which were reported in October 2023. On October 9, the appearance of the virus became apparent. As it happened, at a farm just south of Steinbach, a city famous for its agricultural business on Manitoba’s famed “Pork Belt.”
Other cases quickly trailed in behind, with three more outbreaks recorded on October 16, 21, and 25 along the way. All three of these incidents happened within the rural municipality of Hanover, located 45 minutes southeast of Winnipeg. The second case was one in the rural municipality of Bifrost-Riverton. This remote area, about 140 kilometers north of Winnipeg, near Washow Bay,
Infectious avian influenza, also known as avian flu or HPAI, first appeared in North America in December 2021. It was just recently detected in wild birds in Newfoundland and Labrador. Fast forward to today, and things are very different. In 2022, Manitoba recorded 21 cases in total, with four in wild birds and 17 in commercial operations. The first outbreak in Manitoba was announced in late April 2022, demonstrating that the virus has not gone away.
The CFIA has announced the detection of avian influenza in every province and territory of Canada. This poses alarming threats to all wild birds and domestic poultry alike. In response to these recent outbreaks, the agency has moved. They’ve introduced a 14-day mandatory “vacancy period” that bans the reintroduction of domestic birds to newly infected farms. This action supports reducing the risk of ongoing transmission by being first to act.
The impacted areas include almost all of the area between Blumenort and Steinbach as well as a second site farther south near New Bothwell. Incredibly, the CFIA has published a compliance action report publicly online. Here’s a look behind the curtain at the challenges we’re facing and what we’re doing to address the ongoing outbreaks.
“Every year is different but the risk of avian influenza for domestic poultry increases during the fall and spring migration of wild birds.” – CFIA
Poultry producers should continue to be on the lookout as the story continues to develop. They need to observe strict biosecurity measures to protect their farms and thus, chickens from any possible contact. The CFIA has the situation under continuous surveillance. They are working hard on the frontlines implementing protective measures for both commercial poultry as well as the wild bird population.
