In The Coop

As fall arrives, millions of wild birds move through Ontario — but don't forget other wildlife are also on the move. It is during that seasonal change that poultry producers should consider all aspects of their biosecurity planning.

In this episode of In the Coop, Charlotte Wall and Tom Lewis speak with Chris Sharp, Population Management Biologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, about wildlife, not just bird migration, but also seasonal HPAI risk and what poultry producers can do to prepare their farms for fall and winter.

Chris explains what triggers migration, why different bird species migrate at different times, and why periods when birds congregate can be particularly important from a disease-risk perspective. The conversation also explores the role of waterfowl, scavenging wildlife and other species that may interact with poultry farms. The recent research shows interesting trends, and understanding is the first step to preparing.

For producers, the discussion turns to practical measures that can help reduce opportunities for wildlife to interact with poultry and the production environment — including managing standing water and feed spills, protecting feed and water, maintaining barn integrity, managing deadstock and reviewing traffic, equipment and footwear biosecurity.

The episode also emphasizes an important point: producers don't need to wait for wild birds to arrive before reviewing their biosecurity practices. Fall is an ideal time for a practical biosecurity reset.

Resources

Environment and Climate Change Canada

• Information on migratory birds and Canadian bird surveys

Ontario — Avian Influenza in Poultry Ontario: Avian influenza in poultry

Ontario — Biosecurity Recommendations for Commercial Poultry Flocks Ontario: Biosecurity recommendations for commercial poultry flocks

Ontario's biosecurity recommendations specifically address wild birds, wildlife exclusion, feed and water contamination, deadstock management and maintaining barn integrity.

Ontario — Avian Influenza / Animal Health Information Ontario: Avian influenza

Ontario recommends reporting sick or dead birds and other wildlife found on your property to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.

Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative

Ontario wildlife reporting

If you find sick or dead wild birds or other wildlife on your property, avoid direct contact and report the finding to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative.

CWHC Ontario Regional Centre 📞 1-866-673-4781 📧 [email protected]

Ontario's current animal-health guidance identifies the CWHC as the organization to contact regarding sick or dead wildlife and notes that wildlife may be submitted for testing at the University of Guelph's Animal Health Laboratory.

CWHC Avian Influenza Testing Results CWHC Avian Influenza Testing Results

This page provides current CWHC information on avian influenza testing results, including dead-bird surveillance data.

Please note: For concerns about sick poultry or increased mortality in a domestic flock, producers should contact their veterinarian. Ontario guidance directs veterinarians with suspected avian influenza to contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Preventing Scavenging of Deadstock: What's Changed and What Still Works?

We're revisiting deadstock management with OMAFA Poultry Specialist Al Dam. Following our March 2025 conversation with Al Dam and Dan Ward, we're taking another look at predator-proof designs, scavenger prevention, biosecurity and the practical things producers should be checking on their farms.

In this episode, Al Dam will explain practical insights for meaningful management of deadstock.

The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) website https://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/ includes reports and submission information, including their phone number: 1.866.673.4781

A copy of OMAFA's deadstock management sheet is also found here: www.poultryindustrycouncil.ca/downloads/hpai-deadstock-omafra.pdf

High temperatures can increase the risk of heat stress during broiler catching and transport, making careful planning essential for protecting bird welfare.

In this episode of In the Coop, hosts speak with Sarah Sheppard of Moonfleet Poultry about preparing flocks for hot weather loadouts. Sarah discusses the importance of planning around weather conditions, maximizing barn ventilation, maintaining water availability before catching, coordinating with catching crews and transporters, and recognizing the early signs of heat stress.

Listeners will gain practical, on-farm strategies to help improve bird comfort, reduce transport losses, and ensure a safe and successful loadout during the hottest days of the year.

Key topics include:

• Scheduling loadouts during cooler parts of the day

• Preparing barns for hot weather catching

• Managing ventilation and water access

• Coordinating with catching crews and transporters

• Recognizing and responding to heat stress

This month on In the Coop, hosts are joined by Dr. Cynthia Philippe of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to discuss the evolving reality of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

From biosecurity and wildlife risks to vaccination discussions and future preparedness, this episode explores what poultry producers can do today to strengthen their resilience against one of the industry's most significant challenges.

There are references to some infographics supplied by CFIA. The 'Tips to Protect Your Farm from Avian Flu' with a list of do's and don'ts demonstrating practices to avoid or adopt for your business can be found on the Poultry Industry Council website. You will also hear about the 'Risk Matrix', which can be seen below.

We hope you enjoy the podcast!

In this episode of In the Coop, hosts Tom Lewis and Charlotte Wall are joined by Dr. Emily Martin from the University of Guelph to discuss the evolving scientific understanding of Enterococcus cecorum in poultry. The conversation explores how this once-commensal organism emerged as a significant poultry pathogen, changing clinical presentations observed in recent years, advances in diagnostics and surveillance, and the ongoing research questions surrounding transmission, pathogenic strains, and disease progression.

Listeners can explore Dr. Martin's publication, Enterococcus cecorum: Changing clinical presentation in an emerging poultry pathogen, through the University of Guelph Animal Health Laboratory: University of Guelph Animal Health Laboratory Article

Additional enterococcosis resources, including the Merck Veterinary Manual compendium available through the Poultry Industry Council, can be accessed here: Poultry Industry Council Vet Compendium

In this episode of In the Coop, Charlotte and Tom speak with Jim Collins and Amy Collins from Harvest Hands about how their organization is addressing food insecurity and the critical role poultry protein plays in supporting families and communities.

They explore how Ontario poultry producers and industry partners can get involved—through donating chicken, turkey, or eggs, or by volunteering their time as a team-building opportunity.

To learn more or get involved, visit HarvestHands.ca and see how your operation can make a meaningful impact.

Check out their website, and look over the current needs to see how you can help them support their community today!

In this episode of In the Coop, Tom Lewis and Charlotte Wall speak with Paul Stehelin from Polaron Solar about how on-farm solar is becoming a practical and cost-effective solution for Ontario poultry producers.

The days are getting longer, which means more sunlight and more potential!

They break down what a customized solar study includes, explore available incentives—including Ontario's new rebate of up to $860,000—and walk through real financial projections such as energy savings, return on investment, and payback timelines.

If you're looking to reduce operating costs and improve long-term energy resilience on your farm, this episode offers clear, actionable insights to help you evaluate whether solar is the right fit for your operation.

To find more information, please check out: polaronsolar.com

They are willing to offer references upon request! Start your research to gather the information you need to make informed decisions for your business.

In this episode of In the Coop, Charlotte Wall sits down with Ron Shoup, recipient of the 2025 Ed McKinlay Poultry Worker of the Year Award, along with his nominator, Dave Stanfield.

Together, they discuss Ron's journey in the poultry industry, the dedication and teamwork that define his work ethic, and why he was selected for this prestigious honour. Dave shares what inspired him to submit the nomination, offering insight into the leadership and quiet excellence that the Ed McKinlay Poultry Worker of the Year Award was created to recognize.

It's a conversation about pride in poultry, commitment to the craft, and the people who keep Ontario's industry strong—one barn, one flock, and one team at a time.

Winter can be one of the toughest seasons on the farm, and in this timely episode of In the Coop, hosts Tom Lewis and Charlotte Wall turn the conversation toward something just as important as flock health — farmer mental wellbeing.

Joined by Jennifer MacTavish, Chair of the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing (CCAW), the discussion explores the realities of stress, isolation, and burnout in agriculture, especially during the long days and heavy workloads that define February for many poultry and livestock producers. Jennifer shares insights from national research, outlines common stressors facing farm families, and highlights practical strategies producers can use to support their own mental health and that of their crews.

The episode also spotlights key supports available to farmers, including CCAW's education initiatives and the National Farmer Wellness Network, which provides confidential, 24/7 crisis support tailored specifically to agriculture. Listeners are encouraged to continue the conversation, reduce stigma, and stay connected to resources designed by and for the farming community.

You can call the crisis support 24/7/365 at 1-866-FARMS-01 or dial 1-866-357-6701.

To find more information about CCWA, including programs and resources, please visit their website: ccaw.ca

🎙️ New Episode: In the Coop – A Year in Review with PIC Chair Caroline Gonano

Join hosts Tom Lewis and Charlotte Wall as they sit down with Caroline Gonano, Chair of the Poultry Industry Council and representative with Turkey Farmers of Canada, for a lighthearted but insightful look back at PIC's past year of education, events, and industry impact.

Caroline shares highlights from 2025, reflects on the value of PIC's founding members and executive sponsors, and gives listeners a sneak peek at the exciting lineup of 2026 programs and events. From Producer Updates to PSIW and hands-on extension opportunities, this episode dives into how PIC continues to support a strong, connected, and informed poultry community across Ontario.

A perfect listen for producers, service providers, and anyone curious about how PIC keeps the industry learning, collaborating, and moving forward.