Overview

In a chilling reminder of the persistent threat posed by avian influenza, a Surrey city councillor, Mike Bose, is sounding the alarm for local residents to steer clear of any sick or dead birds they might encounter. Last winter, Bose's own turkey farm faced a devastating outbreak, losing nearly 18,000 birds, and he knows firsthand the dire consequences of this disease.

Cautions and Recommendations

“Do not approach or touch sick or dead birds,” cautioned Coun. Bose. “It’s critical that we report these occurrences to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. This is our only method of tracking the spread of this disease throughout the province. Its rapid dissemination is becoming a significant economic burden on our country.”

The Impact on Farms

The Medomist turkey farm, which Bose co-owns and manages, suffered irreparable damage after a perfect storm of conditions led to the outbreak, including a severe windstorm that allowed wild birds to mix with his domestic flocks. “The experience was like life going to hell,” he recalled, with heavy rainfall creating pools that attracted wild birds right into the heart of the farm.

Financial Repercussions

The repercussions of the outbreak were felt deeply, with Bose indicating the financial loss amounted to “a lot of zeroes.” As avian flu resurfaces in the headlines, the urgency of the situation escalates. Just recently, Fraser Health issued guidelines to the Surrey school district after a teenager was hospitalized in critical condition due to the H5N1 strain of the virus. This case marks a troubling milestone, being the first confirmed instance of the virus in British Columbia and the second in Canada.

Community Action Required

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of sick or dead birds immediately by calling 1-866-431-BIRD (2473). With the avian flu increasingly becoming a grave reality, staying informed and proactive is essential for community safety. Protect yourself and the ecosystem—if you see something, say something!