The fields of the La Caboche farm at Mont-Lebel, in Rimouski, are empty on June 7. However, in normal times, visitors and customers can see hundreds of hens pecking the ground.
The poultry producer and co-owner is on his guard, like many others in Bas-Saint-Laurent, when avian flu is spreading among seabirds.
Biosecurity measures have been reinforced in recent weeks in the territory. The co-owner of the Sylvain Junior Henrie farm must in particular limit the comings and goings of customers.
Sylvain Junior Henrie, co-owner of La Caboche farm.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Shanelle Guérin
What is more, the poultry producer must delay the exit of his poultry to the pasture. The choice is heartbreaking for the free-range producer.
Of course we didn’t want it to spread. Yeah we’re just on a small scale, but it’s not something we wanted or wanted. We try to work in terms of safeguarding our animals. It is also for the welfare of animals.
testifies Sylvain Junior Henrie.
” We don’t raise our animals just to see them die for no reason. »
His confined hens will still retain their free-roaming designation.
Biosecurity measures:
- Keep birds indoors;
- Avoid attracting wild birds by the presence of food or water bodies;
- Seal all openings to livestock buildings and control vermin and insects;
- Protect equipment, feed and water provided to farmed birds from wild bird droppings or secretions;
- Avoid contact with other birds or other farms;
- Do not share equipment with other bird owners;
- Apply the recommended personal protection measures: hand wound protection with a dressing and gloves, coveralls, boots and hand hygiene.
Source : MAPAQ
According to the Poultry Breeders of Quebec, no case of avian flu among poultry producers has been reported so far in Bas-Saint-Laurent. Only seven producers were affected across the province, including four duck producers.
However, Quebec Poultry Farmers are asking producers to put preventive measures in place until the end of spring migration, later in June, to help stem the spread.
Chicks from La Caboche farm.
Photo: Sylvain Junior Henrie
Ideal conditions for propagation
The president of the Order of Veterinary Physicians of Quebec (OMVQ), Dr. Gaston Rioux, recalls that avian flu is transmitted by nasal and oral secretions and by bird droppings, and that the virus passes easily from one species of to each other.
We were in a period when virulence is major in Bas-Saint-Laurent
he says.
” As this is a newly introduced disease in Quebec, our wild birds have no protection. They are very vulnerable. »
In mid-July, the La Caboche farm should take the hundreds of laying hens and ducks out into the open air. During hot weather, the virus loses its contagiousness.
The virus will never die because there will be carrier birds. Contagiousness will undoubtedly be reduced, but there will still be what are called contamination pools
explains Dr. Rioux.
While waiting for warmer weather, producer Sylvain Junior Henrie advises visitors to avoid farms to limit the risk of spread.
I think it’s important to raise awareness about this. We don’t want it to be passed on to consumer farms. To respect the farmers, to respect biosecurity when you come to the farms, to be careful, it’s the best thing to do
he concludes.
Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca