An animal hospital in Maple Ridge has shared news that several cackling geese tested positive for avian flu last month. Migratory birds often encounter the H5N1 virus as they move through B.C. and across Canada. Dewdney Animal Hospital usually receives one or two birds each fall, yet this cluster appeared solely in November. Dr. Adrian Walton, the hospital’s head veterinarian and owner, noted that his team has treated suspected avian influenza cases every fall for 17 years. His staff works with the B.C. Wildlife Rescue Association and OWL Rehab to decide whether birds need euthanasia or can transfer safely. This year, the WRA closed to wildlife because of the disease and advised the hospital to send more birds for testing, which increased the number of samples.
The November count included three cackling geese, one of which died at a wildlife rescue, while the other two were euthanized and tested positive. A kestrel died at OWL and also tested positive for H5N1. Staff handled one untested crow and one seagull now awaiting results. Most infected birds came from Pitt Meadows and Pitt Marsh, which host many native and migratory species. A Coquitlam vet clinic brought in the seagull after finding it in a parking lot.
Vets and Rescues Strengthen Disease Response
Private veterinarians help protect animal health and prevent the spread of foreign animal diseases. They detect early signs of infections such as avian flu in domestic animals and must report any suspicion of a reportable disease to the CFIA. They also help producers apply strict biosecurity measures, offer risk-reducing advice, and educate animal owners about prevention. Vets also gather samples for specialized labs such as the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease in Winnipeg.
Dewdney’s vet followed protocol by reporting sick birds to provincial and federal agencies, which then tested the birds at the B.C. Agriculture and Foods Ministry’s animal health lab. The CFIA states that private veterinarians do not formally monitor avian influenza in wildlife, yet they still report sick or injured wild birds brought in by the public. A provincial dashboard currently lists 16 highly pathogenic avian influenza detections in wild birds over the past month, and a national dashboard shows results dating back to 2021.
Wildlife rescues remain highly vulnerable to avian influenza. Critteraid in Summerland recently reported an outbreak and began mitigation efforts with the CFIA. Dr. Scott Weese praised the organization for its transparent and cooperative response. OWL Rehab confirmed cases in several rescued raptors since September and relies on quarantine rooms, personal protective equipment, and strict biosecurity measures. Their approach contrasts with the controversy surrounding an ostrich farm outbreak and a CFIA order to cull hundreds of birds.
Public Reporting Supports Prevention Efforts
Monitoring wild birds helps protect backyard and commercial poultry as well as domestic animals, including susceptible cats. The public does not need to report routine test results but should alert wildlife authorities about sick or dead wild birds so officials can evaluate them and submit samples when needed. People should avoid touching sick, injured, or dead birds and instead contact the B.C. wild bird reporting line at 1-866-431-2473. Reporting carcasses helps track avian flu and guides official advice.
The CFIA notes that fall migration often brings higher numbers of avian flu detections, increasing risk for domestic poultry. Although humans rarely contract the virus, infections can occur in situations involving heavy exposure to infected birds. One B.C. teen became critically ill in November 2024 but recovered in Canada’s first confirmed case. The United States has recorded 71 human cases and two deaths since 2024.
