B.C. animal clinics told to set up avian flu protocols amid human exposure risk [Video]

British Columbia’s chief veterinarian has told clinics that treat wild birds that they must establish protocols to prevent the spread of avian flu, warning of the risk of human exposure to the illness.

Dr. Theresa Burns said in a letter to vets last week that reporting of sick and dead wild birds across the province has increased recently and clinics handling wild birds must have safety procedures in place and ensure staff are trained and equipped with proper protection.

Days after Burns issued her letter, B.C. health authorities announced the first case of a human avian flu infection acquired in Canada, with the teenage patient in critical condition in hospital.

Burns said in an interview that her office has been working since 2022 to educate veterinarians on the H5N1 avian flu virus, and the letter was another reminder in the midst of fall migration.

When birds get this flu they present …