Avian flu has been identified at two more commercial poultry farms in Abbotsford.
Figures from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency show there have been 44 B-C outbreaks of avian flu since October 20th.
More than five million birds have died or have been culled in the province since the first case of the H-5-N-1 variant was reported in April 2022.
The virus is quickly spread from wild birds migrating south and earlier this month the chief veterinarian ordered farmers to put their birds indoors.
The idea, which is expected to cost a total of $20 million a year, has already received significant criticism from more than two dozen people speaking against the motion at an earlier meeting.
A statement from the Prince Rupert detachment says the 44-year-old man had been in critical condition following the attack on the unnamed woman at a local mall early Monday. The 52-year-old victim died before she could be taken to hospital.
Six of the farms are in Abbotsford and one is in Chilliwack, in the Fraser Valley, the same area where more than 17 million birds were culled in 2004 when avian flu swept through numerous farms. The ministry says producers within a 10-kilometre radius have been notified and all infected farms have been placed under quarantine by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Via release, the suspect is described as a South Asian or dark-skinned male, 25-30 years old with a short beard, large nose, large lips, and approximately 5'8” to 6’ tall. He was wearing a black puffer jacket, red t-shirt, black jeans, black shoes, black toque with a brown bobble on top, and with Airpods in his ears.
Premier David Eby, who was sworn in on Friday, says housing is one of the most critical issues that he will immediately address. The legislation includes provisions that allow the province to force municipal compliance, although the government says it doesn't expect that will be necessary for communities facing a housing crisis.
Police say they were called to the mall Monday morning for a "serious police incident." Staff Sgt. Dave Uppal says that they know of the trauma this shooting will have on many people and supports are in place for those who may need help.