As bird flu spreads, the BC SPCA is urging people to take down bird feeders

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The H5N1 strain was first discovered in a small flock of poultry in the Vancouver Metro.

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May 5, 2022 • 25 minutes ago • 1 minute reading • Join the conversation BC SPCA asks people to temporarily remove bird feeders to reduce the transmission of avian influenza. Photo by Jesse McFarland / BC SPCA / Photo sent

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As bird flu cases are spreading in British Columbia, the SPCA is urging people with backyard bird feeders to remove them temporarily to reduce the risk of transmitting the highly contagious virus.

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The H5N1 strain has been found in at least five herds in BC – mostly recently in small herds in Kelowna and Richmond.

The virus is thought to be spread by infected wild birds that migrate north during the summer and are excreted in feces and respiratory secretions that can remain in the environment for months.

Dr Andrea Wallace, the SPCA’s wildlife welfare manager, said bird feeders and bird baths could increase the risk of bird flu spreading to backyard poultry.

“Bird feeders can be places to spread disease because they encourage unnatural flocks of birds and attract other wildlife,” she said in a statement.

The organization is asking people to temporarily remove their feeders, empty water baths and monitor their surroundings for signs of sick birds. Symptoms may include lethargy, nasal secretions, excessive tearing of the eyes, swelling of the head and eyelids, and an unusually “swollen” appearance.

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Wallace cited hummingbird feeders as an exception, noting that they pose the lowest risk because they are species-specific, but said even those feeders need to be cleaned regularly to prevent deadly fungal outbreaks.

H5N1 was found in a small flock of birds in Kelowna and a small flock of poultry in Richmond on May 3, confirmed the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The premises are quarantined.

Prior to the two epidemics, the virus was found in herds in Central Kutenais, Kelowna and North Okanagan.

Observations of sick or dead birds must be reported to the Canadian Wildlife Health Association (CWHC) at 1-800-567-2033. The corpses should not be imported into a wildlife clinic or rehabilitation center, the SPCA said.

1. Outbreak of bird flu reported in Kutenais

2. CFIA confirms new cases of H5N1 bird flu in small flocks in Kelowna, Richmond

chchan@postmedia.com

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