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We have an opportunity to take part in research related to small flock poultry owners/producers, avian influenza and biosecurity led by the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), and the Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics, and Society (PIPPS).

We are looking for BC and Yukon small flock poultry owners and producers to participate in an online survey and one-on-one interviews.

To better support small flock poultry owners and producers keep their birds healthy, we want to improve how governments and other groups communicate and share resources about highly pathogenic avian influenza and ways to strengthen biosecurity.

Avian influenza is a viral disease that causes significant death and illness in all poultry, and small flocks are particularly vulnerable. As animal health professionals, our ability to help prevent and manage diseases like avian influenza is limited because we don’t know enough about small flock owners, particularly with regard to avian influenza.

You are eligible to take this survey if you live in BC or the Yukon and currently own (or seasonally raise) poultry including chickens, turkeys, and ducks (up to 300 birds).

You will receive a $10 coffee card for participating in the survey, and a $25 gift card for participating in an interview. Please complete the survey by June 30, 2023.

To learn more about the study, take the survey, and to sign up for an interview, please visit:

https://tinyurl.com/birdflusurvey

The title of this study is: Understanding the motivations and behavior of small flock producers in BC and YT in relation to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) utilizing a veterinary-adapted Health Belief Model.

Dr. Chelsea Himsworth is the lead investigator for this study. For more information about the study, please reach out to Dr. Cassandra Andrew (a veterinarian who is conducting this research as a part of her graduate studies) at clandrew@student.ubc.ca.