Compounding crises: A One Health investigation of the impacts of overlapping flooding and disease events on agricultural communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia

Background: In November 2021, a major rainfall event caused flooding in the Sumas Prairie of British Columbia, leading to evacuations and loss of livestock. The flood came during the COVID-19 pandemic, causing communities navigating evacuations to deprioritize measures put in place as protection against the spread of disease. Shortly after, the Sumas Prairie experienced an Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) outbreak. This caused the mass loss of commercial poultry in a farming community still reeling from flood-related losses. To date, little research has specifically examined the long-term compounding impacts of climate-induced flooding on agricultural communities. Objective and Research Question: This research program aims to explore the intersecting impacts of the Sumas Prairie flood and the AIV outbreak of 2022 on agricultural communities. Together, I will chart a path forward through the identification of beneficial policies. Theoretical Framework: This research program will utilize a One Health lens, which recognizes the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment. Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach I will first conduct a survey to generate statistics on health and economic impacts, then conduct interviews and thematic analysis to further resolve the impacts of the overlapping crises. Finally, relevant policies will be considered using a logic model approach to identify which would be beneficial to prevention, preparedness, and response for future climate disasters relevant to agricultural communities. Significance: Human-induced natural disasters will continue to impact agricultural communities. Policies better oriented toward prevention and resilience of communities are needed to mitigate future harms for people, animals, and the environment.