Avian flu outbreaks in B.C. and Alberta causing concern in Yukon

Recent avian flu outbreaks on poultry farms in B.C. and Alberta are causing concern in the Yukon.

"A lot of Yukoners get their chicks delivered from those two areas," said Sonny Gray, a farmer and consultant who is past president of the Yukon Agricultural Association.

He said there are only three or four farmers that have more than 1,000 birds but there are many Yukoners who also have coops in their yards.

"Everybody needs to take precautions," he said.

While no case of avian flu has been reported in the territory yet, the acting program veterinarian with the government of Yukon's animal health unit said it's possible the avian flu will spread there as spring migration takes place.

"Avian influenza is carried primarily and spread primarily by wild birds," said Kristenn Magnusson.

Last week, the Tr'ondek Hwech'in Farm in Dawson City issued a notice to its customers that it was no longer going to allow them inside its chicken coops.

The farm had just brought in a new flock of healthy chickens from B.C. and said it was taking the measure to keep the birds safe.

It also asked its customers who raise poultry to wear clean footwear and clothing when they come to the farm.

Those are two of several measures farms and people can take to keep their poultry safe, said Magnusson.

"[Keep] birds in secure enclosures, ideally with a roof where wild birds would not be able to enter the domestic poultry containment, and try to minimize any contact that could be shared between domestic and wild birds," said Magnusson.

She added the avian flu can also be spread by a bird touching a contaminated surface, such as a food dish, equipment, clothing or boots.

"It's advised that folks, you know, wash their hands, change their boots and clothes before they enter into their chicken coop or their commercial poultry operation to minimize the chance that they're actually bringing in the virus," she said.

The outbreaks in B.C. and Alberta have also had an impact on the availability of eggs for certain breeds of chicken, according to Megan Bradley, purchaser at the Feed Store in Whitehorse.