B.C. Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick has issued the following statement today in response to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) implementation of a primary control zone to help prevent the spread of avian influenza:

“Along with our industry partners, our government supports the new measures put in place today by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Our first priority is to ensure this highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza is contained and eradicated. The primary control zone will help us to achieve that, to allow our producers to resume normal operations just as soon as possible. This is also an important signal to global markets that Canada and British Columbia are taking swift and decisive action to respond to this outbreak.

“From the moment the virus was first detected, our government has worked very co-operatively and constructively with both industry and the CFIA. This effective partnership led to immediate controls being established to prevent the spread of the virus. In my discussions with both industry leaders and the federal Agriculture Minister, it is clear our joint response is helping to get ahead of this very contagious virus.

“While we are pleased with the response to date, we will remain vigilant. We are committed to providing whatever resources and expertise are necessary to successfully eliminate this outbreak of avian influenza. To those working long hours on the ground I extend my heartfelt thanks. And to those producers who have been impacted we all offer our thoughts and prayers, and our commitment that we will work with you.

“The coming days and weeks will be critical in our efforts to defeat this virus. I have every confidence that everything that can be done is being done, and that British Columbia’s outstanding poultry industry will be back on its feet before long.”

Media Contacts:

Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-7098