Canada Establishes New HPAI Control Zone in Alberta

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has established a new primary control zone for highly pathogenic avian influenza in Alberta, introducing legally enforceable movement controls for commercial and non-commercial poultry and certain other captive birds.

The designation, identified as Primary Control Zone 352 (PCZ-352), was declared on 7 November and formally documented on 8 November 2026 under Canada’s Health of Animals Act.

The measure is part of Canada’s ongoing response to HPAI and is intended to restrict the movement of potentially infected or contaminated animals and associated products.

CFIA establishes Primary Control Zone 352

The CFIA designation identifies animals and products that may be subject to movement controls within the affected geographical area. The order covers:

• Commercial poultry.

• Non-commercial poultry.

• Day-old poultry.

• Hatching eggs.

• Eggs and other products or by-products of captive domestic poultry.

• Materials and things that may have been exposed to infected birds.

• Certain other captive birds where their movement could create contact with poultry or poultry facilities.

The zone’s geographical boundaries are specified in the official CFIA designation schedule. The declaration was made under subsection 27(1) of the Health of Animals Act, while the associated order identifies the animals and things covered under subsection 27(2).

What does a Primary Control Zone mean for poultry producers?

A primary control zone is an official disease-control area established when authorities believe a reportable disease exists in a specified geographical location. Within these zones, the movement of designated animals and products is regulated. For poultry producers, the restrictions can affect:

• Movement of live birds.

• Transport of day-old chicks.

• Movement of hatching eggs.

• Egg transportation.

• Poultry product movement.

• Movement of other captive birds that may create disease exposure.

The CFIA’s national system requires permits for applicable movements through primary control zones. The specific conditions depend on the zone designation and applicable permits.

Why movement control is important in HPAI management

Highly pathogenic avian influenza can spread through direct contact with infected birds and indirect exposure through contaminated equipment, vehicles, footwear and other materials. Movement restrictions are therefore an important component of disease containment. The key control priorities include:

1. Preventing movement of infected birds.

2. Reducing contact between commercial and non-commercial flocks.

3. Preventing contamination through transport vehicles and equipment.

4. Strengthening farm-level sanitation.

5. Monitoring unusual poultry mortality.

6. Ensuring rapid veterinary reporting.

7. Maintaining traceability of birds and poultry products.

Implications for Canada’s poultry supply chain

The establishment of a new control zone can create operational challenges for producers, hatcheries, egg processors, transport companies and poultry distributors. Potential consequences include:

• Delays in poultry movement.

• Increased biosecurity expenditure.

• Additional veterinary inspections.

• Transport and logistics disruptions.

• Restrictions on hatching egg movements.

• Increased surveillance and testing costs.

However, the actual commercial impact depends on the location and size of the affected zone, the number of premises involved and the duration of restrictions.

Outlook

Canada’s designation of PCZ-352 demonstrates that HPAI remains an active disease-management concern.

The next important developments will be any expansion or modification of the control zone, further confirmed infections and the timing of regulatory restrictions being lifted.