Bird flu calls for closure of public facilities at Vancouver Wildlife Rescue Center

(MARS Wildlife Rescue Center)

The bird flu made its way to Vancouver Island, prompting a local wildlife rescue center to close to the public to curb the spread of the virus.

The Merville-based Mountainaire Bird Rescue Center (MARS) is temporarily closing its visitors’ center and gift shop Monday after a confirmed case of the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus in the Comox Valley.

MARS Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager Gil Andersen says it was a difficult decision, coming amid staff who maintain the welfare of local birds, including eagles, owls and crows, as well as wildlife patients.

“We hope that this additional precaution will help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus on the spot,” Andersen said in a statement.

Last Wednesday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed that a small flock of poultry in the valley had tested positive for bird flu.

This has led to a total of up to seven small herds or backyard herds in British Columbia being infected with the virus, possibly through contact with infected wild migratory birds.

Since April, flocks have tested positive for avian influenza in Kelowna, Richmond, Armstrong and central Cootenais.

But the closure of MARS means the center is missing out on much-needed donations from the public, according to Andersen.

“The wildlife hospital remains open, but the temporary closure of our visitor center will drastically reduce our resources at a time when they are most needed,” she said.

“The baby season at MARS is also the influx of wounded and orphaned young birds, raccoon kits and other small mammals has begun.”

Andersen says MARS ‘biggest costs are food and supplies for crèches at this time of year, but with bird flu, which is now combined, additional personal protective equipment and cleaners are also a must.

“We hope to be able to open our visitor center to the public soon, but in the meantime we call on our supporters to help!” Andersen added.

MARS staff are asking anyone who can donate to the center’s animal care fund to visit its website, noting that any contribution is “highly appreciated”.