Some London-area butcher shops are reporting that there have been no changes in the availability of holiday turkeys, despite an ongoing outbreak of avian influenza in Ontario resulting in the culling of tens of thousands of birds.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a North Perth farm, affecting approximately 56,000 turkeys. Last month, five additional outbreaks were confirmed in Strathroy-Caradoc, impacting nearly 100,000 turkeys. All six outbreaks remain active.
The CFIA stated on Wednesday that the affected birds will be humanely depopulated. However, the agency has not disclosed the names or precise locations of the affected farms.
Hayter’s Farm in Dashwood, one of the major turkey suppliers in Ontario, mentioned that while they are not directly affected, one of their breeding suppliers in Strathroy is, which could pose challenges in the upcoming year. CEO Sean Maguire expressed concerns about potential disruptions in the industry over the next few months due to the recent turkey culls.
Maguire explained the distinction between poultry farms focused on breeding and egg production versus those, like Hayter’s, dedicated to raising turkeys for consumption. He assured consumers that turkeys from their farm are safe for consumption during the holidays.
There is no evidence, according to the CFIA, to suggest that avian influenza can be transmitted through fully cooked poultry or eggs. The prevalent strain of avian flu, H5N1, is highly contagious and can rapidly spread among domestic poultry flocks.
Despite some shopper inquiries about avian flu, butcher shops like Pete Charlton’s Quality Meats in St. Thomas and Western Meats in London are experiencing business as usual. Customers are still ordering turkeys for their holiday tables, with shipments expected to arrive as planned.
