Avian flu may constrain Canada's early 2026 chicken output
BC, Ontario report active commercial cases
26 February 2026
1 minute read
By: Avian influenza could limit broiler production in early 2026, particularly in British Columbia, according to Farm Credit Canada.
As of Jan. 29, there were 34 active cases in commercial flocks nationwide, down from 44 on Dec. 15. Cases in B.C. were little changed at 22, compared with 23 in mid-December. Ontario cases increased to nine from five.
B.C. accounts for 14% of total Canadian chicken production, while Ontario accounts for 35%.
Prior to fall outbreaks, chick placements increased in the second half of 2025. There were four months when placements surpassed 75 million, reaching a record high. In total, 5.6% more chicks were placed in the second half of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024.
FCC said assuming outbreaks are well controlled, this supports production prospects in early 2026.
Chicken imports account for approximately 11% of total domestic supply. Fill rates for imports under both CPTPP and CUSMA were near 100% in 2025 and are expected to remain so in 2026.
Frozen chicken stocks, adjusted for population growth, are near per capita lows last seen in 2020.
