Turkey farmers sound alarm over shortages as cases of avian flu rise
Turkey farmers are sounding the alarm as the avian flu spreads, killing birds across the country, leaving many left to find alternatives for Christmas dinner.
Staff with Christmas Cheer, a Barrie-based charity, cancelled an order of over 1,600 turkeys meant for holiday hampers for needy families because of the significant supply shortages.
"We give them a Turkey dinner, but this year, we will have to replace it with something different," said Steph Quenneville, the charity's president.
Quenneville said it's the first time in 44 years the charity has had challenges providing the holiday staple dinner.
"We're going to serve 1,600 hams to our Christmas cheer families this year," she said.
Turkey Farmers of Ontario told CTV News that one of the possible reasons could be a lack of frozen birds, with holiday trends shifting to fresh birds.
"The storage stock of turkeys is at one of its lowest points in the last 30 years," said Brian Ricker.
The changes in how people prepare turkeys also come at a time when avian influenza is spreading in parts of the country, including Ontario.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency reports that Ontario has 10 infected locations impacting 692,700 birds.
It's unclear how many of those birds are turkeys.
British Columbia has 43 infected locations, impacting 866,200 as of November 30.
"It appears that the virus is more prevalent this year as we've seen in last years here in B.C.," noted B.C. Poultry Association chief information officer Amanda Brittain. "Here in B.C., this is our fifth outbreak of influenza."
Brittain said humans aren't at risk of contracting avian influenza, and farmers are following strict safety protocols, including changing clothes and disinfecting every time they enter or exit the facility to prevent containments.
Mark Reusser and his flock of turkeys in Ontario remain safe, but he remains on edge as the reports of avian influenza continue to surface.
"Very concerned. It's not something any farmer wants to deal with," said Reusser.
Infected birds have to be euthanized to prevent the further transmission of the highly contagious avian flu.
The long-time farmer says seeing flocks killed elsewhere heightens anxiety as the future remains uncertain of if or when the avian flu infects his birds.
"It can be devastating to economics and income but also devastating in terms of mental health," said Reusser.
Turkey Farmers of Ontario says there is enough supply for the demand right now, but it is monitoring the situation in the province and across the country.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.