In late 2021, the poultry industry in Canada faced a formidable challenge with the outbreak of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza (AI). Since then, this persistent threat has continued to loom over poultry farms, prompting urgent calls for enhanced biosecurity measures and a deeper understanding of transmission pathways.  In response, a collaborative project has emerged in Ontario, spearheaded by Claire Jardine, Associate Professor at the University of Guelph, and Al Dam, poultry specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). This initiative aims to ..read more

In a recent study funded by USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation, researchers at the University of Georgia have shed new light on the relationship between growth rates and animal welfare in broiler chickens. Contrary to common recommendations, their findings suggest that moderate growth restriction could actually enhance the welfare outcomes of these birds. Led by Dr. Prafulla Regmi, assistant professor at the University of Georgia’s Department of Poultry Science, the research project delved into the longitudinal assessment of skeletal and cardiac structures in broilers reared under both slo ..read more

In a quirky and heartwarming display of community spirit, flocks of chickens have been spotted across Toronto engaging in acts of kindness over the past week. The initiative, orchestrated by the Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC), aims to showcase the values of Canadian chicken farming while spreading joy throughout the city. From bustling sidewalks to serene parks, the chickens have been leaving their mark by holding doors open for passersby, tidying up litter in local green spaces, and even footing the bill for morning coffees. These unexpected acts of generosity have taken many Torontonians by ..read more

In response to specific outbreaks of avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), the Feather Board Command Centre (FBCC) has heightened its biosecurity advisory for poultry farmers and industry personnel operating in Middlesex, Oxford, and Perth Counties of Ontario. This update comes in the wake of the initial advisory issued on May 6th, 2024. The precise locations and affected species have not been disclosed at this time. Avian metapneumovirus, known colloquially as Turkey Viral Rhinotracheitis in turkeys and Swollen Head Syndrome in chickens, poses a significant threat to poultry health. The disease, char ..read more

Building new barns comes with several major decisions. Not the least of which is heating, cooling and ventilation.  Government financial support, coupled with cost-offsetting benefits, has proven Pondeuses JL Inc. was right to include heat exchangers for its six barns built in 2021 under the Lebco umbrella of agriculture companies. It was a $12 million investment to build the barns.  While initial costs for the heat exchangers were higher than conventional HVAC systems and cost recovery had not yet been demonstrated in Canada, the resulting increase in production has made it all but ..read more

Cutting edge technology from Agrimesh offers producers a new way to maintain poultry house conditions by automatically and proactively adjusting lighting, fans, ventilation and heating, as needed. The Agrimesh system uses artificial intelligence to analyse sensor data and weather forecasts to make real-time decisions that ensure poultry house conditions remain within pre-set parameters. Benefits include improved poultry performance, lower energy costs, and peace of mind.  Agrimesh markets itself as the only smart controller available in North America today. That’s because there are no oth ..read more

Researchers at the University of Georgia have evaluated a new diagnostic tool for the detection of Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILTV), a virus causing respiratory disease in chickens globally. The study, funded by USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation with support from Pilgrim’s, marks a critical advancement in poultry disease management. The research, spearheaded by Dr. Maricarmen Garcia and her team at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, focused on enhancing the diagnostic capabilities for ILTV. Their findings offer a promising soluti ..read more

The Canadian government is expanding its surveillance program for a form of avian flu amid a growing outbreak in U.S. dairy cattle. Fragments of highly pathogenic avian influenza have been detected in pasteurized milk sold in the U.S. and a statement from Canada’s health agencies says lactating dairy cattle being imported from the United States will now require negative tests. The statement says officials will be conducting enhanced testing of milk at the retail level to look for viral fragments. It says voluntary testing will also be available for cows that are not presenting with clinical si ..read more

In response to the recent detection of Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV) subtype B in two turkey flocks within Ontario, the Feather Board Command Centre (FBCC) has issued a biosecurity advisory for the province. The announcement comes following an advisory shared by the Ontario Animal Health Network on April 26th, highlighting the emergence of this highly contagious avian disease. Avian metapneumovirus, commonly referred to as Turkey Viral Rhinotracheitis in turkeys and Swollen Head Syndrome in chickens, primarily affects the respiratory tract of poultry. The disease poses a significant threat, wit ..read more

Location: Grande Prairie, Alta. Sector: Layers and pullets The businessGrandview Colony, a Hutterite community based in Alberta, has been deeply rooted in egg production for generations. Jonty Hofer, who oversees the operation with help from his son Corey, notes, “Egg production has been a cornerstone for us across four generations.” The needOperating on 14,000 acres, they recognized the need for change to sustain profitability. Leasing out part of their egg quota for years, Hofer felt it would be more profitable if they used the quota themselves. Hofer explains, “We realized we weren’t maximi ..read more