Despite an avian influenza outbreak in Ontario resulting in the culling of tens of thousands of birds, some London-area butchers report that holiday turkey availability remains unaffected. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza at a North Perth farm, impacting approximately 56,000 turkeys. Last month, five additional outbreaks in Strathroy-Caradoc affected nearly 100,000 turkeys, all of which are still active.
The CFIA stated that the affected birds would be humanely depopulated, without disclosing farm names or locations. Hayter’s Farm in Dashwood, one of Ontario’s main turkey suppliers, mentioned that while they are not directly impacted, one of their breeding suppliers in Strathroy is, potentially leading to future challenges. CEO Sean Maguire highlighted the diverse poultry farm functions, with some specializing in breeding and egg production and others, like Hayter’s, focusing on raising turkeys for consumption.
Maguire reassured that turkeys currently available for Christmas consumption had been at the Hayter’s barn before the outbreak, ensuring their health. Despite the recent culls affecting the industry’s pace, Maguire emphasized that the meat supply remains stable, with the primary impact on replacement bird production.
The CFIA emphasized that fully cooked poultry or eggs do not transmit avian influenza. The prevalent H5N1 strain of avian flu is highly contagious within poultry flocks. While avian flu can affect various bird species and mammals, the possibility of human transmission is rare and usually occurs from close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.
Local butchers, such as Pete Charlton’s Quality Meats in St. Thomas and Western Meats in London, maintain that customers are still ordering turkeys for the holidays, with businesses operating as usual. Despite shopper inquiries about avian flu, orders for holiday turkeys continue, reflecting the regular demand for this festive season staple.