The BC SPCA has issued a notice asking people to remove bird feeders due to the outbreaks of avian flu in the province.
On its website, the SPCA says the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is spreading in the province, so people should remove bird feeders and empty birdbaths.
“Wild birds play a key role in the spread of HPAI. Although waterfowl (including ducks, geese and gulls) and raptors (eagles, hawks and owls) are highest risk, avian influenza viruses can infect all avian species,” the SPCA’s website says.
“The virus is shed by infected birds through feces and respiratory secretions and is very resilient — the virus can survive in the environment for several months and continue to infect other birds!”
READ MORE: Two more flocks test positive for avian flu in Kelowna, Richmond
Bird feeders attract birds, and the SPCA says seed that falls on the ground can also spread disease.
“[W]hen birds feed from the ground, they are also exposed to droppings that accumulate below a feeder,” the BC SPCA says. “The presence of bird feeders and baths can also increase the risk of transmitting the virus between nearby animals like backyard chickens or turkeys.”
People are asked to keep an eye out for signs of sick birds which may appear lethargic, unusually “fluffed up”, have nasal discharge, or have excessively watery eyes or swelling of the head and eyelids.
According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, signs of avian flu include:
- a drop in production of eggs, many of which are soft-shelled or shell-less
- diarrhea
- haemorrhages on the hock
- high and sudden mortality rate
- quietness and extreme depression
- swelling of the skin under the eyes
- wattles and combs become swollen and congested
You can contact the BC SPCA at 1-855-622-7722 for advice about sick birds or for help finding a local wildlife rehabilitation centre.
Sightings of sick or dead wild birds should be reported to Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) at 1-800-567-2033.
Laura Brougham
