Cottam farm opens barn doors to the public, taking precautions as bird flu cases emerge in Canada, U.S.
As a Cottam farm opens its barn doors to the public for Easter weekend, its owner says she's taken the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of her birds — and visitors — amid avian flu cases emerging in other parts of North America.
"My primary business is breeding chickens and ducks and geese. So it is a concern to me," said Nicole Winkels, owner and operator of Sunny Britches Acres.
The farm started running private tours back in September. After receiving "phenomenal" feedback from the community, Sunny Britches Acres held a grand opening on Saturday for the public to meet all of their animals.
But ahead of the event, Winkels said she's taken the proper steps to ensure the avian flu threat is mitigated.
Chickens at Sunny Britches Acres farm in Cottom, Ont. on Saturday, April 16, 2022. (Sanjay Maru/CTV Windsor)
Just last week, Point Pelee National Park confirmed a single case of the bird flu. Meanwhile, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has reported 16 instances of the avian influenza detected in Ontario poultry flocks between Mar. 27 and Apr. 14.
"The main concern with cross transmission is the wild waterfowl," said Winkels.
To greatly reduce the risk of wild birds coming to her farm, Sunny Britches Acres has taken down its wild bird feeders.
"We've put out notices. If you have your own flocks at home, don't wear your chore shoes to the farm to come visit," said Winkels, adding the notice also applies to anyone who steps on to her property from another farm.
Turkey at Sunny Britches Acres farm in Cottom, Ont. on Saturday, April 16, 2022. (Sanjay Maru/CTV Windsor)
Chickens at Sunny Britches Acres farm in Cottom, Ont. on Saturday, April 16, 2022. (Sanjay Maru/CTV Windsor)
"If you've been anywhere near wild waterfowl, change your shoes."
The farm, which raises birds such as free-range chickens, ducks, geese and emus, estimates about 400 people attended Saturday's grand opening.
According to the CFIA, avian flu viruses rarely cause disease in humans.
"Wild birds, especially waterfowl, are natural reservoirs of influenza viruses. They are not normally affected by the disease, but can still transmit it to domestic birds," the CFIA says on its website.
"The disease can spread to birds through contact with infected poultry and poultry products. It can also spread through contaminated manure, litter, clothing, footwear, vehicles, equipment, feed and water."
Birds at Sunny Britches Acres farm in Cottom, Ont. on Saturday, April 16, 2022. (Sanjay Maru/CTV Windsor)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.