Recent confirmation of avian influenza forced the cancellation
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
A recent string of avian influenza confirmations forced the cancellation of the London Poultry show scheduled for Wednesday, April 22 and Thursday, April 23 at London, Ontario’s Western Fair District.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said a chicken farm in Oxford County is under quarantine to try and prevent the disease from spreading and that tests are ongoing to determine other factors of the disease such as subtype and strain. The confirmation of the virus at the farm makes it the second Ontario in April.
A few weeks ago, Canadian officials confirmed turkeys on a farm in Woodstock, Ontario contracted the H5 bird flu – the same strain that farms in British Columbia, Washington, Minnesota and Arkansas have had to battle recently.
Currently, 29 poultry farms in Ontario are under quarantine and being monitored.
As a result of the recent outbreak, the London Poultry Show has been cancelled.
The decision was made after the Poultry Industry Council and Western Fair District discussed options with other parties including Chicken Farmers of Ontario, Turkey Farmers of Ontario and the Feather Board Command Centre.
The Poultry Industry Council and Western Fair District will be meeting in the coming weeks to determine what their next move is.
The show brings almost 4,000 visitors and industry exhibitors to London every April. The show is a one-stop-shop for poultry producers to take part in presentations and discussions about the current challenges they face.
Join the conversation and tell us your thoughts not only about the show being cancelled, but about the recent confirmation of avian flu at some poultry farms. How does this impact your operation? What measures are you taking to ensure your flocks are safe?
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