The MARS Wildlife Center north of Courtney is temporarily closed to the public after avian influenza was discovered this week in a small flock of poultry in the Comox Valley.
The MARS Wildlife Center north of Courtney is temporarily closed to the public after avian influenza was discovered this week in a small flock of poultry in the Comox Valley.
From Monday, the visitor center and gift shop will not be open to visitors.
“Our commitment to the safety and well-being of our resident ambassador birds (eagles, owls and crows) and wildlife patients is our first priority and we hope that this additional precaution will help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus on the spot. virus, “said Gil Andersen, manager of the wildlife rehabilitation center.
The Mountainaire Bird Rescue Society is worried that the donations needed to run the center will decrease while the center is closed, during the year when costs rise.
Andersen is asking his supporters to donate to his animal welfare fund.
“Baby Season” is also the influx of wounded and orphaned young birds, kits of raccoons and other small mammals has begun, Andersen said.
The biggest expenses at this time of year are food and consumables for nurseries. Personal protective equipment and anti-virus cleaners are also needed.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed on Wednesday that the first case of the H5N1 virus on Vancouver Island was found in the small herd.
This is the first reported case on the Island that may have been caused by infected migratory wild birds.
Enhanced biosecurity measures have been taken to protect birds in the center, where his wildlife hospital remains open, Andersen said.
Sanitary foot baths, a separate patient reception building, quarantine areas for various species and covering the ambassadors’ enclosures are among the safety measures applied.
Anyone who brings an injured animal to downtown Merville should stay in their vehicle and call the hospital at 250-337-2021, Zero Extension, to speak with rehab staff who will come and pick up the animal.
The center said dead birds could not be brought to the center. Call the center for advice. The bird hotline can be called at 1-866-431-2473.
cjwilson@timescolonist.com
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