B.C. poultry supply unaffected by avian flu; turkeys brought in to meet demand

VANCOUVER – Poultry producers are assuring B.C. residents there will be plenty of turkeys on store shelves during the holidays despite an avian flu outbreak that has killed thousands of animals.

The industry group representing farmers who raise chickens, turkeys and eggs says it has bolstered its stock with birds from out of the province so prices remain stable.

The president of the B.C. Poultry Association says it's important for shoppers to understand that the province's poultry and egg products are safe to eat.

Ray Nickel says there is no evidence that eating poultry or eggs can transmit the avian flu virus to humans.

A national poll conducted by the industry showed that 92 per cent of B.C. residents plan on eating the same amount of poultry and eggs that they did before the outbreak.

Nearly 250,000 chickens and turkeys are either dead or set to be euthanized due to avian flu, which has infected 11 sites in B.C.'s Fraser Valley since the beginning of the month.