Around 10 birds are infected with avian flu at Amherstburg, Ont., wildlife rehab
Wings is asking for patience from public as it deals with the sick birds
The president of an Amherstberg, Ont., wildlife rehabilitation centre that is dealing with cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza says it currently has around 10 birds in its care infected with the virus.
And she's asking the public to please be patient with the organization while it deals with the situation.
"Our life has become a hassle," said Nancy Phillips, who is also the animal overseer at Wings Rehabilitation Centre.
The centre, which also still has other birds in its care, operates with just two paid staff members, Phillips said; it relies on volunteers.
Funding comes from donations and proceeds from bingos.
"We're holding our own with what we have to work with," Phillips said.
Wings revealed on Facebook in December that several birds in its care had tested positive for the avian flu, and it had implemented a number of measures aimed at controlling the infection, including the use of personal protective equipment by staff and volunteers.
It has locked its doors and is requiring people to ring a bell to call a worker, she added.
Birds with tell-tale signs of avian flu are quarantined in cages outside. And birds that appear ill, but do not have those tell-tale signs, are sent for tests.
Southern Ontario has seen outbreaks of avian flu in wild birds — particularly waterfowl and raptors — since 2022, said Brian Stevens, a wildlife pathologist for the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, which tests deceased birds.
Growing concern about spread to other species
"From the Windsor area, we have had Canada geese, tundra swans ... there were crows from the Chatham area that have tested positive as well," he said.
Data on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's avian flu portal doesn't point to a recent spike in cases in wild birds, but Stevens said researchers are concerned by outbreaks on poultry farms, which affect the agricultural sector, and by increased transmission to mammals.
"We've started to see cases in dairy cattle in the U.S., and the number of dairy cattle that are affected is concerning because the more chances this virus has to get into mammals, the more chances it does have to make its way … potentially into humans," he said.
Researchers are also concerned with mutations in some of the strains of the virus itself, which may cause more serious illness, added Stevens.
The medical officer of health for Windsor-Essex said the health unit has been in touch with Wings to help prevent a transmission of the virus from animals to humans.
No human cases in Windsor-Essex to date
So far, there are no human cases of avian influenza in the region, Dr. Mehdi Aloosh said.
The best way for people to avoid the virus is to completely avoid interaction with wildlife and domestic animals that appear unwell, he added.
People should also wash their hands regularly, follow food safety guidelines, consume pasteurized milk and ensure meat is cooked properly.
In addition, Aloosh urged people to get the seasonal flu shot because some studies suggest it may offer partial protection from the avian flu, while also offering protection against the seasonal flu.
Anybody who does wish to handle wildlife who appear unwell, such as by volunteering for a rehabilitation centre such as Wings, should follow the guidelines provided to the organization on how to do so safely, he said. That includes donning personal protective equipment, including masks and gloves.
Wings posted an update on its Facebook page on Jan. 6 saying volunteers under the age of 18 would no longer be permitted to volunteer at the facility until further notice.
"Adults will be given the choice to either continue their volunteer positions with us or take a leave until further notice," the post said.
The organization has called for more volunteer help to make up for those on leave and said volunteers are required to have a current flu vaccination and to agree to adhere to all safety guidelines and protocols.