As geese begin returning with the arrival of spring, poultry farmers across Alberta are preparing for a different kind of seasonal shift—one that brings increased risk of avian influenza.
For producers like Scott Olson, migration season means tightening already strict routines. Having dealt with three outbreaks since 2022, including one last fall, he knows how quickly the virus can spread through a farm. In each case, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ordered the culling of all birds on-site to prevent further transmission.
Wild birds are a natural carrier of avian influenza, spreading the virus through saliva and droppings that can contaminate land and water. With that in mind, farmers are taking extra precautions to avoid any contact between their operations and migratory bird habitats. Even routine outdoor activities are carefully considered to reduce risk.
Biosecurity has become a central focus across the industry. Measures include restricting access to barns, creating controlled entry zones, and requiring anyone entering facilities to change into dedicated clothing and footwear. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices are also standard, along with limiting visitors and non-essential vehicles during peak migration periods.
The caution is well-founded. Since late 2021, more than 2.5 million birds in Alberta and roughly 17 million nationwide have been lost to avian flu outbreaks. The province alone confirmed 26 cases in 2025, a sharp rise compared to six the year before. Earlier years saw fluctuating numbers, with a peak in 2022 followed by a decline and then another increase tied closely to seasonal bird movements.
Experts say these patterns are likely connected to shifting migration routes and environmental conditions. Teryn Girard of Prairie Livestock Veterinarians notes that changing weather patterns may influence how and where wild birds travel, increasing the chances of interaction with domestic flocks.
Despite the ongoing threat, there has been progress. Improved awareness and stronger biosecurity practices have helped producers better manage the disease compared to the early days of the outbreak. Still, officials stress that vigilance remains critical, particularly during spring and fall migrations when the risk is highest.
So far in 2026, Alberta has not reported any new cases. However, the CFIA has confirmed infections elsewhere in the country, including in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario, along with detections in wildlife such as a skunk and a bald eagle.
With the virus continuing to circulate in both wild and domestic birds, producers are heading into the spring season with caution, reinforcing protocols and closely monitoring their flocks to reduce the risk of another outbreak.
