Sardis Park is location of confirmed ‘active’ outbreak of bird flu in Chilliwack

Chilliwack’s Sardis Park is the site of an active bird flu epidemic.

Residents continue to seek reports of wild bird deaths in the pond.

“City officials and Fraser Valley Regional Animal Control officials are responding to these reports and are on site this week to retrieve the dead birds,” said Chilliwack City spokesperson Liana Wiebe. I was going to dispose of it.”

Animal control officials have removed carcasses from ponds, including Canada geese and teal geese.

City officials, with provincial assistance, contacted the British Columbia Department of Agriculture and Food about the outbreak, as bird flu is under the auspices of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Department officials have confirmed with city officials that the avian flu virus outbreak is active in the parks and encouraged them to post notices in the parks containing safety tips for park users.

“Dead waterfowl have been found in the park and are being removed regularly by animal control officers,” according to a Ministry of Ag notice from the Chief Veterinary Service.

The risk of spreading bird flu to humans and companion animals (such as dogs and cats) is considered “low”.

However, the virus can be carried elsewhere on footwear or pet paws, infecting poultry, pet birds, or wild birds elsewhere.

“Avian influenza is having a significant impact on poultry farms and other birds such as pet birds and wild birds, and we all need to do our part to minimize transmission of the virus. There is,” the notice continued.

“Dead birds can also carry companion animals and other diseases that can affect humans.”

The state department recommends the following steps:

• If you come into contact with poultry or birds, stay away from the park.

• Keep your pets on a leash at all times in the park and away from waterfowl habitat and areas contaminated with bird droppings, such as waterfronts and water edges.

• Clean and dry footwear, pet paws and wet fur after visiting the park.

• Do not let pets touch, pick up, or touch dead birds.

The Wild Bird Mortality Research Program hotline 1-866-431-2473 accepts reports of wild bird deaths from the public.

Chilliwack City Fraser Valley Wildlife