Highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in Southwestern Ontario

Feb 06, 2024

On February 1, 2024, the Feather Board Command Centre (FBCC) which was working closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), shared that it has detected Avian Flu in a commercial flock in Amherstburg, Ontario.

If you have small flocks within 10 KM of this area, remain vigilant and ensure you have excellent biosecurity measures in place. Biosecurity measures are the best way to protect your flock from the outbreak.

Read Small Farm Canada's previous article about biosecurity measure here.

Small flock resources can also be found here.

Also watch for signs of the flu in your flock, look for the following signs:

Lethargy
Coughing, sneezing, or wheezing
diarrhea
A decrease in egg production
Head, neck, or eyes swelling
Lack of coordination

If you detect these symptoms, take immediate action. Contact a veterinarian.

According to the Small Flock Ontario website, “Bird owners are legally responsible to report to a veterinarian, the Canada Food Inspection Agency or the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural if they suspect their flock is infected with a reportable disease such as HPAI.”

Also, if you observe sick or dead wild birds, please report these to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 866-673-4781.

Source : Small Farm Canada

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.