H5N1 Bird Feeding Warning

The federal government is currently advising people not to touch or feed wild birds by hand in order to prevent the spread of H5N1 (a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus) in some wild birds in BC.  As a precautionary measure, Saanich has remove signs related to feeding of ducks in Saanich’s parks, which encouraged the feeding of only appropriate food as an educational measure.

As of today, all the duck feeding related signs we have been able to locate have been removed from the following parks:

• Bow Pond
• Beckwith Pond
• CHP – King’s
• CHP – Derby
• Rithet’s Bog
• South Valley Pond

Saanich is exploring additional information sharing measures, likely by using their website and directing people there so they can be nimble as information and advice may change quickly.

• Influenza in wild birds – Government of Canada
• Prevent the spread of avian influenza in wild birds: poster – Government of Canada
• Help respond to the Avian Influenza outbreak – Birds Canada
• Backyard bird feeders and avian flu: What British Columbians need to know