Two bird species not being accepted at Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre due to avian influenza
A recent spike in avian influenza is causing the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre to suspend accepting some specific birds indefinitely.
The organization said it has seen a steep increase of the influenza in wild species, specifically in geese and ducks in Winnipeg and surrounding areas.
Zoe Nakata, the executive director of the centre, said the spike has been seen in Canada geese and blue-winged teal.
"We're quite concerned that those two species are seeing a high number of cases out in the wild. So based on what we've seen come in as patients here, what we're seeing from people calling in on our wildlife hotline," said Nakata.
Due to the spike, she said the centre has suspended accepting these two avian species to protect the other birds in their care and also those who work there.
"We just have limited capacity of what we can keep in quarantine. We just had to make that difficult decision at the moment for a very temporary and a very limited amount of time to put a hold on accepting those patients here."
Nakata said avian influenza is highly transmissible, especially among waterfowl, which could eventually lead to it being spread to raptor birds, such as hawks.
She noted since the centre takes in so many different types of birds, they are very vulnerable when spikes in influenza appear.
"We really have to weigh the pros and cons of each species that comes here to receive care. So when we do these kinds of decisions, we don't take that lightly and we really have to see what can keep our doors open to receive the most number of animals that we can provide care to."
Nakata said there was a slowdown of the influenza in the summer months but it has started to pick up again because of the fall migration.
In the meantime, she said the centre will not be able to respond to calls from the public if they find geese or blue-winged teal if they are sick or injured.
However, she said people can still call the Manitoba Conservation tip line and they will be able to provide advice or respond to the scene.
Nakata is also reminding people that although it is rare, avian influenza can be transmitted to humans. She said people shouldn't hand feed birds and if they are having to dispose of a bird who was sick, they should use the proper PPE to handle it.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
India's foreign minister reacts to murder charges, claims Canada welcomes criminals
India's Foreign Affairs Minister accused Canada of welcoming criminals from his country in response to the RCMP's recent arrests in a homicide that has roiled tensions between the two countries.
15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
'A tiny city:' Pro-Palestinian campus protesters organize for another week
Pro-Palestinian activists have set up tents at universities in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal, following a wave of similar protests at campuses in the United States linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony; honours late Queen
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members and honoured her late mother during separate ceremonies Sunday in Victoria as she wrapped up a three-day British Columbia West Coast royal visit.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
As storms moves across Texas, 1 child dies after being swept away in floodwaters
A child in Texas died Sunday after being swept away in floodwaters as storms swept across the state.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
The Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss.