On many small farms and rural communities across Canada, caring for backyard poultry is part of everyday life. A small flock may provide eggs for the household, teach children about animal care, or simply bring enjoyment to the farmyard.
However, like larger poultry farms, backyard flocks face health risks that can change with the seasons. For example, spring brings the return of migratory birds. Summer often means more pests and increased movement around the farm. Fall is when many poultry owners add new birds to their flocks, while winter shifts the focus to water access, shelter, and monitoring bird health.
As each season brings its own risks, one message remains the same: biosecurity doesn't end when the season changes.
Animal Health Canada (AHC) has been launching a series of simple, seasonal biosecurity reminders on its social media channels specifically for smallholders and backyard poultry keepers. Information was pulled from Keeping Your Birds Healthy fact sheets that were developed in coordination with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, industry and provincial governments.
AHC members and partners are encouraged to re-share the messages to help with their own engagement within those groups. The aim is to make biosecurity easier to understand and practice year-round.
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