U.S. bird flu outbreaks blamed for Nova Scotia meat chick shortage

Nova Scotian farmers are facing challenges due to a shortage of spring chicks caused by outbreaks of avian influenza in the United States. Amy VanderHeide, a poultry farmer and chair of the non-profit group Chicken Farmers of Nova Scotia, explained that approximately 20 per cent of meat chickens produced in Canada are hatched from eggs imported from the U.S. However, due to losses in the U.S. poultry industry as a result of the bird flu, there are fewer eggs available to Canadian hatcheries.

This shortage of hatching eggs has had a significant impact on Nova Scotia farmers, who produce more than 20 million meat chickens annually, with the majority consumed within the province. VanderHeide noted that commercial producers in Nova Scotia have been dealing with a scarcity of chicks for almost a month, with flock numbers across the sector down three per cent compared to the previous year. Some small-scale farms have even been advised by suppliers to seek chicks elsewhere.

One such farmer facing challenges is Tim Levangie, the owner of Thyme for Ewe Farm in Millville, N.S., which raises approximately 1,400 meat chickens per year. Levangie recently learned that his order of spring chicks could no longer be fulfilled due to the shortage from U.S. hatchery egg producers. This news was met with mixed emotions, as raising chickens accounts for 30 per cent of his farm’s income. The additional paperwork and vigilance required in light of the avian influenza outbreak have made him hesitant to continue raising chickens this year.

In response to the shortage of chicks, VanderHeide’s organization is collaborating with hatching groups to secure enough eggs to support small flock producers. She emphasized the impact that the shortage could have on smaller businesses, noting that some may risk losing their entire season without access to chicks. However, VanderHeide remains optimistic, stating that flocks in the U.S. are in the process of rebuilding, indicating that the shortage of hatching eggs may be temporary.

Overall, while the current shortage of hatching eggs presents challenges for Nova Scotia farmers, efforts are underway to address the issue and support small-scale producers. It is expected that there will still be a small flock season, albeit potentially delayed, as the poultry industry works to overcome the impacts of the avian influenza outbreak.