Québec, Canada - Avian influenza in backyard birds and poultry 2022-2025

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Related to posts 72 and 73 above:

Translation Google

Saint-Felix-de-Valois
Report on bird flu

A report broadcast on TVA nouvelles on February 24 reported cases of avian flu in a Saint-Jean-de-Matha farm. This news item refers to the case recorded on January 30, for which a vigilance notice was issued on February 3, 2025. There is therefore no new information regarding the situation and the quarantine notice for the exposure area will soon expire.

A press release from the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) on February 3, 2025 highlighted the high risk in the sector following the discovery of a case in a nearby commercial farm. To discover the primary control zone .

Breeders, both commercial and artisanal, must rigorously apply prevention and biosecurity measures. To this end, following the first outbreaks in Quebec, prevention visits have been suspended on the Municipality's poultry farms and inspection visits by the urban planning department are also limited and by appointment as appropriate, in accordance with the guidelines of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency since a permit is required prior to a visit by the urban planning department to a farm located within 10 km of the primary control zone (ZCP).

The MAPAQ also recommends that owners of farmed birds:

• To avoid any direct or indirect contact between farmed birds and wild birds by confining the birds in a closed building when possible, otherwise in an enclosure with a roof (e.g. net);
• To avoid attracting wild birds by the presence of food, bodies of water or accumulation of water on the ground near the enclosure;
• To clean and disinfect all vehicles or equipment before each entry or exit from the breeding site;
• Limit access to the farm to authorized persons only and ensure that these persons respect the biosecurity measures in force (keep a visitor register, if possible);
• To avoid any contact between backyard farms and commercial farms (e.g. sharing of personnel).

Reporting
In case of unusual mortality or signs of illness, consult a veterinarian. If you are unable to find a veterinarian, call 450 768-6763 to reach the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's hotline to report sick birds or 1 844 ANIMAUX to contact the MAPAQ's Central Reporting Center.

Historical
Since 2022, poultry farmers have been on alert following announcements of avian influenza outbreaks in the country by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The virus (H5N1) that appeared in Canada earlier in the year and is also present throughout the United States. It is associated with high mortality, with more than 90% of infected birds dying. Bird migration periods are conducive to the spread of the disease from wild birds to commercial poultry.


Saint-Félix-de-Valois, poultry hub
The Municipality is one of the most important poultry production centres in all of Eastern America. Several million chickens, hens, eggs and hatching eggs are produced annually in Saint-Félix-de-Valois. This activity has a major impact on the development and dynamism of the community. This is also the source of the Municipality's logo, which proudly displays the rooster as its emblem. The high concentration of this production requires certain measures. Indeed, poultry farms are very sensitive to the spread of avian flu, salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis. For example, the most recent episode of avian flu contamination in Canada in 2015 led to a drastic adjustment of health control measures. This highly contagious disease causes high mortality in farms.


https://st-felix-de-valois.com/2025/...rippe-aviaire/

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Brome-Missisquoi Regional County Municipality
/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brome-Missisquoi_Regional_County_Municipality

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https://inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/avian-influenza/latest-bird-flu-situation/investigations-and-orders

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Related to the post above:

Knowlton, Que., duck farm confirms case of avian flu, says products remain safe
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CBC News · Posted: Sep 17, 2025 12:41 PM CDT | Last Updated: 25 minutes ago

A duck farming company based in Quebec's Eastern Townships said it discovered a case of avian flu at its Knowlton, Que., farm on Monday.

The company, Canards du Lac Brome, says the case is isolated and its products remain safe to eat.

In a news release Wednesday, it said the farm was placed under quarantine and the company is collaborating with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as well as Quebec's Ministry of Agriculture.
...

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-duck-farm-avian-flu-case-1.7636197

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Translation Google

Avian Flu: Culling of 60,000 Poultry at Brome Lake Ducks

By Jean-Luc Lorry, La Voix de l'Est
September 19, 2025 at 4:03 a.m.
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The Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) received a call suspecting a case of avian influenza at a farm operated by Brome Lake Ducks.

Earlier this week, this case tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza.

The company has preemptively quarantined the site and is currently culling approximately 60,000 birds.

"This culling of the affected flock is underway, and this figure of 60,000 is preliminary. We will have definitive data within a few days," said Manon Racicot, Senior Veterinary Epidemiologist in the CFIA's Science Branch.
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Since the beginning of September, the CFIA has recorded five cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the country. Four cases in Alberta and the current case at Brome Lake Ducks in Quebec.

"This is a clear warning signal for farmers. Migratory birds are starting to arrive in Quebec."
— Manon Racicot, Senior Veterinary Epidemiologist in the Science Branch of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
...
In April 2022, this same company faced an outbreak of avian influenza at its Eastern Townships sites in Saint-Claude, Wotton, and Knowlton.

The Quebec duck farmer had to cull more than 200,000 birds and lay off nearly 300 employees.

Angela Anderson, General Manager of Brome Lake Ducks, stated at the time that it would likely take a year, and possibly several million dollars, for the company to recover from this situation.

Founded in 1912 on the west shore of Brome Lake by a New Yorker, Brome Lake Ducks is the oldest Pekin duck farm in Canada.

https://www.lavoixdelest.ca/actualites/sante/2025/09/19/grippe-aviaire-abattage-de-60-000-volailles-chez-canards-du-lac-brome-HG4C7NZ7UZFRTPJKMSKA7OB4EE/

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https://wahis.woah.org/#/in-review/5229

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/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%27Autray_Regional_County_Municipality
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Investigations and orders of avian influenza in domestic birds by province
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https://inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/avian-influenza/latest-bird-flu-situation/investigations-and-orders

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/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matawinie_Regional_County_Municipality
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Investigations and orders of avian influenza in domestic birds by province
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https://inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/avian-influenza/latest-bird-flu-situation/investigations-and-orders

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Translation Google
A case of bird flu in Saint-Félix

October 14, 2025 — News , Alerts

A case of avian influenza (H5 subtype) has been reported in Saint-Félix-de-Valois. On October 12, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency reported the first case in Saint-Félix-de-Valois and placed part of the municipality in an infested zone, as well as the entire territory in a restricted zone.


To poultry owners

As a backyard or small bird owner, you should be aware that the risk of your birds contracting the avian influenza virus is currently high.

Both commercial and artisanal breeders must rigorously apply prevention and biosecurity measures. To this end, prevention visits have been suspended on the Municipality's poultry farms and inspection visits by the urban planning department are also suspended or by appointment as the case may be, in accordance with the directives of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency since a permit is required prior to a visit by the urban planning department to a farm located within 10 km of the primary control zone (PCZ).

The MAPAQ also recommends that owners of farmed birds:

• To avoid any direct or indirect contact between farmed birds and wild birds by confining the birds in a closed building when possible, otherwise in an enclosure with a roof (e.g. net);
• To avoid attracting wild birds by the presence of food, bodies of water or accumulation of water on the ground near the enclosure;
• To clean and disinfect all vehicles or equipment before each entry or exit from the breeding site;
• Limit access to the farm to authorized persons only and ensure that these persons comply with the biosecurity measures in force (keep a visitor register, if possible);
• To avoid any contact between backyard farms and commercial farms (e.g. sharing of staff).

Consult the MAPAQ vigilance notice and display it in the henhouse.

Reporting

In case of unusual mortality or signs of illness, consult a veterinarian. If you cannot find a veterinarian, call 450 768-6763 to reach the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's hotline to report sick birds or 1 844 ANIMAUX to contact the MAPAQ's Central Reporting Office. If necessary, refer to the website: https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-en...grippe-aviaire

Historical

Since 2022, poultry farmers have been on high alert following announcements of avian influenza outbreaks across the country by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The virus (H5N1) appeared in Canada earlier this year and is also present throughout the United States. It is associated with high mortality, with more than 90% of infected birds dying. Bird migration periods are conducive to the spread of the disease from wild birds to commercial poultry.

Saint-Félix-de-Valois, poultry hub

The Municipality is one of the largest poultry production centers in all of Eastern America. Several million chickens, hens, eggs, and hatching eggs are produced annually in Saint-Félix-de-Valois. This activity has a major impact on the development and dynamism of the community. It is also the source of the Municipality's logo, which proudly displays the rooster as its emblem. The high concentration of this production requires certain measures. Indeed, poultry farms are very sensitive to the spread of avian influenza, salmonellosis, and campylobacteriosis. For example, the most recent episode of avian influenza contamination in Canada in 2015 led to a drastic adjustment of health control measures. This highly contagious disease causes high mortality in farms.


https://st-felix-de-valois.com/2025/...a-saint-felix/

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/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlevoix-Est_Regional_County_Municipality
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Investigations and orders of avian influenza in domestic birds by province
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https://inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/avian-influenza/latest-bird-flu-situation/investigations-and-orders

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Translation Google

A case of bird flu in Charlevoix-Est

By Victor Carré 3:16 PM - October 16, 2025
Local Journalism Initiative

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reported a case of avian flu on Wednesday in the Charlevoix-Est RCM.

According to producers contacted by Le Charlevoisien , the case was detected at a farm in Saint-Irénée. When contacted by our team, the owners of the farm in question said they were waiting for official confirmation.

A large part of the territory of the municipalities of Saint-Hilarion, Les Éboulements and La Malbaie has been placed in an infested zone and a portion of the territory of Saint-Irénée in a restricted zone, reveals a press release issued by the Quebec Poultry Disease Control Team (EQCMA).

Commercial and artisanal breeders must therefore, for the time being, apply rigorous prevention and biosecurity measures.
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https://www.lecharlevoisien.com/2025/10/16/un-cas-de-grippe-aviaire-dans-charlevoix-est/

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Translation Google

Avian flu: a migratory bird to blame?

By Victor Carré 10:00 AM - October 17, 2025
Local Journalism Initiative

Charlevoix has recorded its first-ever domestic case of avian influenza, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed. Several theories are currently under investigation, but one may be more likely to be considered.

“It’s a time of year when we have to be a little more careful,” said Dr. Manon Racicot, senior veterinary epidemiologist for the CFIA, in an interview.

Indeed, the wild bird migration period can be a greater pretext for virus transmission. "Sometimes a bird shows no signs of carrying avian influenza. There is therefore a risk that it will carry the disease and transmit it to other species," explains Dr. Racicot.

The virus can be introduced into a flock when wild birds come into contact with domestic birds or their environment. It is transmitted directly through the secretions and droppings of the species.

The lower density of livestock producers in the region could help limit the spread of the flu. "But nothing should be neglected," the CFIA spokesperson said.

Samples taken on site were sent to laboratories in Quebec and Winnipeg to determine which branch of the disease was detected.

An order has been given to cull birds considered to have been in contact with the source of the virus, says Dr. Racicot, without specifying the number of birds affected.

https://www.lecharlevoisien.com/2025/10/17/grippe-aviaire-un-oiseau-migrateur-en-cause/