Avian flu cases ‘piling up’ in Washington state, B.C. confirms another case

As B.C. confirms another case of avian flu in the Comox Valley, the virus is appearing more often in Washington state.

The state Department of Agriculture says outbreaks of the H5N1 strain have been “piling up” in poultry flocks around the Tacoma area. As well, wild birds just south of the Canada-U.S. border were found with the virus.

“With so many suspicious cases in wild birds pending investigation, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to avoid exposing your flock to wild waterfowl and shorebirds,” said Dr. Amber Itle, state veterinarian.

Last week, two poultry flocks in Kelowna and Richmond tested positive for H5N1. B.C. has experienced a total of at least seven outbreaks.

Migratory birds are seen as a key carrier of the virus and farmers are told to take steps to ensure their flocks are kept separate.

Related article: Remove your backyard bird-feeders, BC SPCA urges, due to avian flu

Soon after the recent outbreaks, the BC SPCA sent out a statement, asking the public to temporarily remove any bird feeders and to empty out bird baths due to the potential spread of the virus.

“Bird feeders facilitate the spread of the disease by encouraging unnatural congregations of birds and attracting other wildlife including predators and rodents,” said Andrea Wallace, manager of wild animal welfare with the BC SPCA.

The virus is not considered dangerous to the majority of people, but can wipe out an entire flock of poultry and is lethal to wild birds as well.

The Government of Canada said that there is no evidence to suggest that eating cooked poultry or eggs could transmit the virus to humans.

With files from Katarina Szulc