Snow geese were spotted during their migration at the Beaudet Reservoir in Victoriaville, Quebec, on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. British Columbia's chief veterinarian is urging clinics that treat wild birds to follow strict protocols to help prevent the spread of avian flu, as the province has recently seen an increase in cases. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Bernard Brault
In light of a growing avian flu threat, British Columbia's top veterinarian, Dr Theresa Burns, has urged wildlife clinics to establish strong safety protocols to prevent the spread of the disease, particularly after the first human case of H5N1 was reported in the province. The teenage patient is currently in critical condition.
In a letter sent to clinics across B.C., Dr. Burns highlighted a recent surge in reports of sick and dead wild birds, calling for heightened vigilance among veterinarians treating these birds. She emphasized that these clinics must be equipped to handle the potential risks and ensure that their staff members are properly trained to deal with such cases.
Since 2022, Dr. Burns' office has been working to raise awareness about the dangers of the H5N1 virus, especially as fall migration brings an influx of wild birds to the area. These infected birds often show signs of weakness, difficulty flying, and neurological issues. People, often acting out of kindness, may try to help these birds and bring them to clinics, which increases the risk of exposure to the virus.
To mitigate the threat, Dr. Burns urged that anyone who comes into contact with sick or dead birds wear protective gear, including gowns, gloves, and eye protection. Sick birds should also be isolated from other animals and people to limit the spread of the disease.
Rob Hope, the general manager of the OWL Rehabilitation Centre in Delta, B.C., shared that his team has been taking extra precautions for years. The centre, which specializes in caring for birds of prey such as eagles and falcons, has developed a keen ability to identify avian flu cases. Infected birds are quarantined immediately and handled only by staff wearing full protective gear, including face shields and booties.
Hope reported a spike in avian flu cases in recent weeks, with many of the affected birds dying within 24 hours. However, he stressed that people should avoid handling sick birds, as it only increases the risk of exposure to the virus.
Before this week’s announcement, there had been only one confirmed human case of avian flu in Canada, which occurred in Alberta in 2014. The patient in that case died, and health officials believe they contracted the virus while travelling in China. The exact source of the virus for the B.C. teen is still unknown, but health authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
B.C.'s Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, assured the public that the situation was being managed carefully. “This is a rare event, and we’re focused on ensuring it doesn’t spread further,” she said, noting that no additional human cases have been detected so far.
Wildlife testing has shown high levels of the H5N1 virus in wetland areas frequented by migratory birds, but the number of wild birds testing positive is consistent with previous years. The commercial poultry industry in B.C. has been severely impacted by the flu, with over 6.5 million birds culled since 2022, including 28 infected flocks this fall alone.
Migratory birds, especially waterfowl like ducks and geese, are considered the main carriers of the virus, but other species, such as ravens and hawks, have also been affected.
