Avian influenza intensifies in Ontario with new cases

The Feather Board Command Centre (FBCC) is alerting poultry producers in Ontario to an escalation in cases of H5 avian influenza (HPAI), with four commercial poultry flocks confirmed infected over a two-day period. Producers are urged to implement heightened biosecurity protocols immediately to prevent further spread.

According to FBCC releases on December 23 and 27, 2024, multiple poultry flocks in Oxford County have shown symptoms consistent with H5 avian influenza. Additionally, two flocks in the Town of Strathroy have been affected. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is establishing Primary Control Zones (PCZ) around the affected areas.

The CFIA confirmed the presence of HPAI in Oxford County on December 19. By December 20, two additional commercial poultry flocks in Oxford County and one in Strathroy were confirmed to be infected. This spread tripled the number of HPAI cases in Ontario’s commercial poultry flocks for 2024, bringing the total to six. Previously, the most recent case occurred in Amherstburg on January 30, affecting 49,013 turkeys.

CFIA will update its Avian Influenza Control Zones map as the situation develops. Producers are encouraged to monitor these maps closely and take necessary precautions to restrict the movement of birds, people, and equipment on and off their farms. Producers are advised to implement heightened biosecurity measures immediately and minimize traffic in and out of the farm, including birds, equipment, and personnel.

For ongoing Ontario updates, visit the Feather Board Command Centre’s website at fbcc.ca.