Agricultural Diseases | DisasterSmart

Agricultural outbreaks, whether affecting crops or livestock, represent a significant and ongoing threat to BC’s economy, particularly the livelihoods of those in rural and farming communities. While the image of large-scale culls and widespread economic disruption might seem rare, the reality is that the risk of such outbreaks is ever-present and can escalate rapidly if not identified and managed with swift, decisive action. Factors such as increasing global trade, climate change impacting disease vectors, and the intensive nature of modern agriculture can heighten the potential for novel and re-emerging diseases.

Economic & Community Impacts

A major agricultural outbreak in BC can trigger devastating economic and social consequences. Trade is immediately affected through restrictions and bans on the movement of animals, plants, and related products domestically and internationally. This can lead to significant financial losses for producers and related industries. The 2004 avian flu outbreak in BC’s Fraser Valley resulted in the loss of nearly 17 million birds and $380 million in economic costs. This is not an isolated incident. > Read More

Preparedness & Resources

AgriService BC offers critical plant and animal health services, especially for small producers. Their mandate includes providing early detection and diagnostic services for plant and animal diseases, establishing and enforcing quarantine protocols to contain outbreaks, and coordinating effective response strategies in collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and industry stakeholders.