BC’s Chief Veterinarian Urges Clinics to Implement Avian Flu Protocols to Address Human Exposure Risk
British Columbia’s chief veterinarian has instructed clinics treating wild birds to establish protocols to prevent the spread of avian flu, emphasizing the risk of human exposure to the illness.
In a letter to vets, Dr. Theresa Burns urged clinics handling wild birds to implement safety procedures, ensure staff are trained and equipped with proper protection due to the increasing reports of sick and dead wild birds across the province.
Shortly after the letter was issued, B.C. health authorities confirmed the first case of human avian flu infection acquired in Canada, with a teenage patient in critical condition in the hospital.
Dr. Burns mentioned in an interview that her office has been educating veterinarians on the H5N1 avian flu virus since 2022, and the recent letter served as a reminder during fall migration.
When birds are infected with this flu, they show symptoms like weakness, inability to fly, and neurologic signs, she explained.
Related Stories
“We want to ensure that veterinarians and their staff are aware of avian influenza and take necessary steps to protect themselves and their staff from potential exposure,” Burns added.
Burns advised that sick birds should be isolated from people and animals, and anyone interacting with them should wear protective gear like gowns, gloves, and eye protection.
Rob Hope, general manager of the OWL rehabilitation facility in Delta, B.C., mentioned that they have been taking extra precautions for years to prevent the spread of avian flu, especially in caring for raptors.
Hope conveyed that staff at the facility can often diagnose diseases in birds based on photos or videos and take necessary measures if H5N1 is suspected, including isolating the animal in quarantine with specific staff wearing full protective gear.
He noted an increase in cases in recent weeks, with many birds succumbing to the illness within 24 hours.
In light of the recent B.C. case, Burns reiterated the importance of not touching sick or dead birds found in the wild.
Government data showed that migratory wild birds, particularly waterfowl species, are the primary carriers of the disease, while other infected species have included hawks, ravens, and herons.
