Province to hold avian flu info session in Kelowna next week

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The province is holding an information session for poultry owners in Kelowna next week.

The information session comes after several avian flu outbreaks were discovered across the Okanagan last spring.

Several veterinary specialists will be on hand to provide information about improving flock or farm biosecurity, recognizing signs of avian influenza and how to report cases, what to expect if a flock is positive for avian flu, while providing resources available for non-commercial bird owners.

The session will be held at Reid Hall at Benvoulin Heritage Park from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday Sept. 29.

“Attendees will receive a free biosecurity kit containing tools and information to help maintain good biosecurity practices,” the province said in a recent press release.

Those interested in the event can register here.

“The risk of avian influenza to commercial poultry farms and small flocks increases each spring and fall with the migration of waterfowl and other birds through British Columbia,” the province says.

“The Kelowna public information session is one of a series of sessions planned for communities throughout B.C. this fall.”

Since mid-April 2022, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed 21 cases of avian flu in commercial and small poultry flocks across B.C.

The flu poses a low risk to humans, although people who are in close contact with sick birds can fall ill. It's very rare for the disease to spread between humans.