How to Prevent Further Bird Flu Outbreaks in B.C.

The following letter to the editor was originally published in Vancouver Is Awesome, Canada News Media, Times Colonist, Delta Optimist, Pique Newsmagazine, North Shore News, The Squamish Chief, Tri-City News, Bown Island Undercurrent, and Prince George Citizen.

The best way to prevent future outbreaks of avian flu, which has been found on more than 50 poultry farms in British Columbia since October 2023, is to stop raising birds for food. Bird flu spreads like wildfire on filthy, severely crowded factory farms. It can mutate and sicken other animals, including wildlife. If humans stopped eating chickens and their eggs, it would help slow the spread of avian flu and reduce animal suffering.

Many companies, including Yves Veggie Cuisine, Gardein, and Beyond Meat, make great-tasting vegan meats. Instead of eggs, you can use bananas, applesauce, ground flaxseed, or commercial egg replacers in baked goods. Soft tofu works well in custardy dishes like quiches, puddings, and mousses, and seasoned firm tofu can be used in eggless egg salad and breakfast scrambles. These days, you can also obtain vegan eggs from companies like Earth Island. They’re delicious scrambled or in omelets.

For more information and free vegan recipes, please see PETA.org.