Protect Your Flock From Bird Flu With Upcoming Sessions

People who have back yard chicken coups will be able to get info on avian flu, and how to protect their flocks, in a series of upcoming sessions hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

People who have back yard chicken coups will be able to get info on avian flu, and how to protect their flocks, in a series of upcoming sessions hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Three sessions will be held next week - on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for small-flock poultry owners on Salt Spring Island and in the Cowichan and Comox valleys.

The sessions will focus on the avian influenza virus, how they can protect their flocks and how to prepare for potential impacts if their birds become sick.

The sessions will be led by B.C. government veterinary specialists. Attendees will learn, among other things, about improving flock or farm biosecurity to reinforce against disease outbreaks; recognizing the signs of avian influenza and how to report cases; and what to expect if a flock is positive for avian influenza.

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 to and through British Columbia.

Since mid-April, there have been 22 confirmed cases of avian influenza in commercial and small poultry flocks in communities throughout B.C.

Although there is no cost to attend the sessions next week, seating is limited and registration is mandatory. You can find the links at Eventbrite.

Register online at https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/bc-ministry-of-agriculture-and-food-52507526703

The sessions will be at the Glenora Community Hall on Glenora Rd., Duncan, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 12, he  Merville Hall on Fenwick Rd., Merville, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13 and the Lions Club of Salt Spring Island on Bonnet Ave., Salt Spring Island, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fri, Oct. 14.