Episode 96: How Large-Scale Poultry Farming is Fuelling Avian Flu with Eleanor Boyle

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast, we sit down with Eleanor Boyle. She’s a long-time journalist and former college instructor, who has written many articles on ways to improve our diets and food systems. You can find her blog at eleanorboyle.com. Eleanor has written two books: 'High Steaks: Why and How to Eat Less Meat' and 'Mobilize Food: Wartime Inspiration for Environmental Victory Today'.Eleanor and I pick up where we left off in Episode 79, catching up on the latest headlines involving outbreaks of avian flu on Canadian, American, and European farming operations. She breaks down why we’re seeing an uptick in these cases, the weaknesses in our food system, and why we need to consider a new approach to chicken farming—and animal agriculture at large.Resources Eleanor’s website and blogArticles by Eleanor on avian flu: “To Address Bird Flu, Reform Chicken Farming” “We need a rethink of Big Poultry to stop avian flu” “Avian Flu: Way More Than An Industry Problem”  CFIA updates on avian flu (province-by-province) Details on how poultry production is subsidized by Canadian taxpayers Mercy for Animals report on Canadian chicken production  World Animal Protection Canada reports on animal agriculture: The Pecking Order 2024 Part II: Policies to Promote PlantBased Food Production and Consumption in Canada Summary of global human cases of avian flu (1997-2025) “This is how much longer you could live if you eat less meat, more plants”Previous PBC Podcast interview with EleanorBonus PromotionCheck out University of Guelph's online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate. Each 4-week course will guide you through essential plant-based topics including nutritional benefits, disease prevention, and environmental impacts. You can also customize your learning with unique courses such as Plant-Based Diets for Athletes and Implementing a Plant-Based Diet at Home. As the first university-level plant-based certificate in Canada, you’ll explore current research, learn from leading industry experts, and join a community of like-minded people. Use our exclusive discount code PBC2025 to save 10% on all Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate courses. uoguel.ph/pbn.Support the show