B.C. Wildlife Park separates swans due to avian flu risk

The B.C. Wildlife Park in Kamloops is taking precautions after federal regulators announced a strain of avian influenza was found in the North Okanagan.

Birds in the swan pond are often visited by wildlife as they travel for migration, but zookeepers separated two swans into an off-display area to minimize the risk of catching the virus, according to a B.C. Wildlife Park social media post.

Swans Ralph Edwards and Ferdinand are often found in the swan pond, but wildlife park employees sprung into action yesterday, following news of a bird flu outbreak. They built a makeshift pond with a large plastic pool, which will keep them temporarily separated from migrators.

READ MORE: Avian flu outbreak on North Okanagan farm

An avian flu outbreak was recently spotted at a North Okanagan farm, according to an April 14 media release from the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

"Despite these efforts, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed the presence of avian influenza at a farm in the Regional District of North Okanagan," the release said. "The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is leading the investigation and response, with provincial support for testing, mapping, surveillance and disposal."

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The ministry did not go on to name the farm in the news release, but it did add there is a low risk to public health and food safety.

It is requesting that all poultry farms, including those with backyard chickens, be very vigilant and monitor for signs of avian influenza in their birds.

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