In a shocking turn of events, Holly Hill Farm in Campbell River, British Columbia, was forced to euthanize its entire flock of chickens and ducks on November 2 due to an outbreak of avian influenza.

Katie Denne, the owner of the beloved farm, shared her devastating news in a heartfelt Facebook post on November 3, saying, "My heart is broken, and my tears will not stop. We had to say goodbye to every single chicken and duck on our farm." The farm’s avian population, which had been a cherished part of the community for almost 15 years, became infected through contact with a wild migratory bird.

The outbreak required the immediate intervention of Island Health and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, leading to the euthanization of around 50 birds to prevent the disease's spread. This heart-wrenching decision followed the discovery of several birds deceased under mysterious circumstances just days prior. A subsequent necropsy confirmed that avian influenza was the culprit.

Denne expressed the close bond she had with her feathered friends, stating, “Each bird had a name.” She emphasized that the loss goes beyond mere livestock as these birds contributed to countless moments of joy, peace, and educational experiences for her family and the local community.

Avian influenza, primarily spreading through direct contact and contaminated environments, poses a significant risk to both domestic and wild bird populations. Symptoms in infected birds can include lethargy, coughing, and even sudden death. Currently, there is no treatment for the disease, making prevention through rapid reporting and control critical.

While human infection is rare, the disease has been documented in Canada, with only one prior case of H5N1 in 2014 and two mild cases of H7 in 2004. Fortunately, Island Health has reassured the community that the risk to visitors remains extremely low. Nevertheless, Denne advised anyone who had visited the farm recently to monitor for flu-like symptoms for 10 days after their visit.

Despite this catastrophic setback, Denne remains hopeful and reassured that the rest of her animals are safe and healthy. The community’s outpouring of support has been overwhelming, with many expressing their condolences and eagerness to return to the farm once they resume operations.

As of October 25, the CFIA reported that 15 locations in British Columbia, including Holly Hill Farm, are grappling with the avian influenza outbreak, amounting to a staggering total of over 11 million birds affected across Canada this year.

Looking ahead, Denne is uncertain about the future of Holly Hill Farm. She explicitly stated, “I am rational enough to recognize that this news could easily get distorted and decimate our small business.” Nevertheless, she reassured the community that they are working closely with health authorities to ensure safety as they hope to hold their annual Christmas event this December. However, it’s clear that without their precious birds, the magic of Holly Hill Farm will be significantly altered.

"This is a defining moment for us," said Denne. "We hope to heal and eventually come back stronger, with your support. We are more than just a business; we are a community hub, and we will do everything we can to ensure our farm continues to bring joy to families across Vancouver Island."

In these challenging times, Holly Hill Farm stands as a testament to community resilience and the bonds formed between humans and animals. As they work to recover from this heartbreak, the hope remains that the farm’s spirit will shine through, ensuring that memories—both cherished and new—carry on for years to come.