British Columbia plans to finance improvements to lessen the risk of avian flu outbreaks for poultry farms in the Fraser Valley.
In an effort to reduce the risk of avian flu outbreaks, 75 poultry farms in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia, are upgrading their barns using a $2.5 million government funding initiative. This support is part of the Novel Tools and Technologies Program, which provides up to $30,000 per farm for projects that began after January 1, 2025.
The upgrades focus on installing air filtration systems, ultraviolet (UV) light equipment, and in some cases, heat exchange systems to enhance airflow control in barns. These measures are designed to eliminate virus entry points, such as contaminated air and water.
Key Upgrades and Goals:
- Air Filtration Systems: These systems are designed to improve air quality by removing potential virus particles from the air.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Light Equipment: UV lights are used to disinfect surfaces and air, further reducing the risk of virus transmission.
- Heat Exchange Systems: Some projects include upgrades to heat exchange systems to improve airflow control in barns.
The program aims to mitigate the risk of avian flu outbreaks during the fall migration season, when wild birds increase the transmission risk to both commercial and backyard flocks. The upgrades are expected to be completed before the fall migration season, ensuring better protection for the flocks.
Since 2022, the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland have experienced approximately 200 outbreaks of avian flu, resulting in the culling of about nine million birds[1][2][3]. The disease is at the highest risk of spreading to poultry on farms or backyard flocks during the fall. The last reported case of avian flu in a commercial flock in British Columbia occurred in January 2025, at the end of the last fall migration.
Agriculture Minister Lana Popham has stated that farmers in the region have been battling against avian influenza since the first outbreak in 2004. The funding for this program is part of the Novel Tools and Technologies Program. Most projects should be complete by the fall.
The Agriculture Minister acknowledges the personal stress and losses caused by the virus, but commends farmers for continuing to care for their birds and build the food supply. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the challenges posed by avian flu, and will help egg and poultry producers equip their barns with tools such as air filters and ultraviolet light systems.
This report was first published by The Canadian Press on August 15, 2025.
[1] Avian flu outbreaks in British Columbia since 2022 [2] B.C. poultry farm hit with avian flu [3] Avian flu detected in Lower Mainland
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