The BC SPCA is asking the public to temporarily remove backyard bird feeders and empty bird baths due to the spread of bird flu across the country.
The organization said that although waterfowl, such as ducks, geese and gulls, and birds of prey, including eagles, hawks and owls, are at highest risk of avian influenza or bird flu, they can infect all birds.
It is considered highly contagious and is spread by infected birds through feces and respiratory secretions. The BC SPCA said the virus is also resistant and can survive in the environment for several months.
On Wednesday, officials said they had found bird flu in two other small flocks of BC poultry.
Read more: Bird flu has been confirmed in 2 more small flocks of poultry before the new era in Richmond, Kelowna
The story continues under the ad
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food of British Columbia said that the H5N1 bird flu virus was recently confirmed among small flocks of poultry in Richmond and Kelowna.
The contaminated premises have been quarantined by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and the ministry said producers within a 12-kilometer radius had been informed.
Poultry are thought to have contracted the virus from contact with infected migratory wild birds.
0:57 2 separate cases of bird flu found in wild birds from Manitoba, province warns 2 separate cases of bird flu found in wild birds from Manitoba, province warns – April 20, 2022
The virus, which is spreading in North America, was first discovered in British Columbia at a poultry farm in North Okanagan last month. It has since been found in two other small flocks of poultry in Kelowna and Kutenai.
Popular stories
-
In the ruined Ukrainian village, all the rest are blocked elderly residents
-
Excluded from COVID-19, the flu appears to be returning to Canada. Why?
“Bird feeders can be places to spread disease because they promote unnatural flocks of birds and attract other wildlife,” said Dr. Andrea Wallace, wildlife welfare manager for BC SPCA.
The story continues under the ad
“Fallen seeds are also a particularly dangerous source of disease – when birds are fed from the ground, they are also exposed to feces that accumulate under the feeder.” She says the availability of bird feeders and baths can also increase the risk of transmission. of the virus between close animals, such as backyard chickens or turkeys.
Read more: “Devastating”: 16 cases of bird flu found in Alberta
“In rare cases, the virus can also cause disease in people who have been in close contact with infected birds or heavily contaminated areas,” Wallace added. “We have to do everything we can to stop H5N1.
Wallace says that in addition to removing bird feeders and emptying bird baths, the BC SPCA is asking the public to monitor the environment for any signs of sick birds. “Birds may look lethargic, unusually” swollen, “have nasal secretions, or have excessive tearing of the eyes or swelling of the head and eyelids,” she said.
2:25 Zoo closes aviaries after open bird flu in southern Ontario Zoo closes aviaries after open bird flu in southern Ontario – March 29, 2022
The public is asked to report sightings of sick or dead wild birds to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) on 1-800-567-2033. If the report is deemed to require further examination, a biologist may retrieve the carcass for further examination. “Please do not bring dead birds to a wildlife rehabilitation center or veterinary clinic, as they will not be able to test for the disease,” Wallace added.
The story continues under the ad
The BC SPCA said it was not necessary to remove the hummingbird feeders at this time, but it was important to change the nectar regularly and clean it to prevent deadly fungal outbreaks. However, if the public sees sick birds on the feeder, they must remove it immediately.
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
Add Comment