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Canada expands bird flu surveillance in dairy cattle

Government issues requirements for testing bird flu in dairy cattle and milk

The Government of Canada and stakeholders are taking new precautions to help prevent the emergence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Canadian dairy cattle. Late last week, the feds announced intentions to expand its avian flu surveillance by: -Requiring negative HPAI test results for lactating dairy cattle being imported from the United States to […] Read more



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Don’t let furry friends fall to bird flu

Cats reported sick, dying from H5N1 infection; CFIA offers tips to help keep pets safe

According to the CFIA, animals that hunt, scavenge or otherwise consume infected birds are at risk. For example, cats that go outdoors may hunt and consume an infected bird. Dogs may scavenge dead birds. “If your pet has found a sick or dead bird or other wildlife, report it to your regional avian influenza hotline or the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative,” advises the CFIA.




Photo: File

Alberta gets farm family class one driver’s license

Alberta farmers and their family members now have the option to apply for a farm-restricted class one driver’s licence. It would allow them to drive almost any form of motor vehicle to and from the farm. These licenses with be issued with condition code “P” meaning the driver must comply with farmer restrictions. Applicants must […] Read more


(HLS.ca/virden)

Flu outbreak sees buyers balk at beef futures

Cash prices fairly level; beef producers should look into risk management tools, analysts say

Markets have seen cattle futures (mainly live and fed) decline in recent weeks as the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain made its way into dairy herds in six states to date. The good news, said a cattle auction leader and market expert, is that cash prices have remained more-or-less steady amid the chaos.



Farmland value growth slowed in 2023, FCC says

Farmland value growth slowed in 2023, FCC says

Strongest growth in Saskatchewan, Quebec and Manitoba

Glacier FarmMedia – Farmland is getting more expensive, but not quite as quickly as in recent years, according to the latest farmland value report from Canada’s biggest agricultural lender. Farm Credit Canada put average national farmland value growth in 2023 at 11.5 per cent, down from 12.8 per cent in 2022. Why it matters: The […] Read more