A duck farm in Knowlton, Quebec, has confirmed a case of avian influenza, prompting immediate containment measures. The operation, run by Canards du Lac Brome, reported the isolated case earlier this week.
According to Quebec’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, all birds on the site will be humanely culled to stop the spread of the virus. The farm has been placed under quarantine, and teams in protective gear have been disinfecting equipment and vehicles moving in and out of the property. The company is working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and provincial authorities to manage the outbreak.
Health officials emphasize that avian influenza does not affect the safety of cooked poultry, eggs, or pasteurized milk, and the risk to the general public remains very low. Transmission to humans is rare and usually limited to people who work closely with infected animals or contaminated environments.
This is not the first time the company has faced the virus. In 2022, an outbreak led to the culling of 150,000 birds and the temporary layoff of 300 employees. Province-wide, this marks the 60th case of avian flu in poultry farms since the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain was first detected in Quebec in 2022.
While only one other farm has been affected so far in 2025, the virus continues to circulate among wild bird populations. Authorities are urging poultry farmers and backyard flock owners to remain vigilant for symptoms, which may include reduced energy and appetite, decreased egg production, soft or shell-less eggs, and swelling beneath the eyes. Guidance on prevention and reporting can be found on the CFIA’s website.
