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Bird Health
Last updated on November 16, 2023
Humans are rarely exposed to diseases through wild birds, but wild birds can carry bacteria that impact humans, animals, and other bird populations. Keeping track of bird diseases and die-offs (many deaths in a short-period of time) can give us an early warning of infection risk.
This page overviews diseases present in birds (avian diseases), how to keep birds healthy and what to do if you see a dead wild bird.
On this page:
Types of avian diseases
Avian diseases can impact bird populations and some are public health concerns because they can infect humans, possibly causing severe disease.
Learn more about the types of diseases that impact birds below.
Avian Influenza
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI; H5N1) was first detected in Canada in the Atlantic Provinces in December 2021 and is now spreading across Canada and the United States. For more information, view the fact sheet on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (PDF, 162KB)
Read more:
- Review the factsheet and help stop the spread of Avian Influenza (PDF, 659KB)
About Avian Influenza
Avian influenza (AI) is a viral disease affecting all bird species. It is transmitted through:
- Direct contact with bodily fluids from infected birds, and
- Exposure to contaminated surfaces
AI is a zoonotic disease that can severely affect human, wild bird, and domestic bird health. Although, transmission from wild birds to humans is rare. Waterfowl can carry AI but exhibit no symptoms. Federal and provincial groups work together to perform targeted surveillance for AI year-round.
- Learn more about the AI surveillance program.
- CWHC Fact Sheet - Avian Influenza
Avian Pox
Avian pox is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes and other biting insects. Birds can also become infected by exposure of broken skin to contaminated surfaces. Avian pox virus causes warty nodules on the skin of the feet and face. The nodules may contribute to death if they impair:
- Breathing
- Sight
- The ability to get food, or
- If a secondary infection occurs
Report birds suspected of having avian pox to an authorized wildlife rehabilitation centre. There is no evidence that Avian pox affects humans.
Mycoplasmosis
Mycoplasmosis (Mycoplasma spp) is a bacterial disease of wild and domestic birds. In wild birds, it primarily affects passerines such as finches and grosbeaks. Symptoms include:
- Discharge from the eyes and nose
- Swollen eyelids
Mycoplasma spp. is transmitted between birds through contact with discharge from the eyes and beak. Birds can also pick up the disease through fluids. Make sure to watch birds at feeders to ensure disease transmission is limited (learn more about backyard bird care here).
Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis is a disease caused by bacteria in the Salmonella genus. It can be widespread and affect any species through:
- Ingestion of contaminated food or water, and
- Exposure to contaminated surfaces
Occasionally, outbreaks of Salmonella typhimurium can cause seasonal die-offs of backyard birds that frequent feeders and bird baths. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease and handling sick or dead birds should be avoided. Wash hands and equipment with warm water after cleaning feeders (learn more about backyard bird care here).
West Nile Virus
West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted by mosquitoes and can affect a variety of species. It primarily causes disease in wild birds, being most prevalent in corvids (crows, jays, ravens, magpies), but can also affect humans and other animals. Although human infections are rare, the disease consequences can be significant. Targeted surveillance of corvids in the summer, when mosquitos are most abundant, occurs every year. In B.C., there have been positive cases in humans, horses, and corvids since 2004 (see annual data here).
Keeping backyard birds healthy
Backyard bird watching is an enjoyable activity that connects people to the natural world. However, steps must be taken to ensure that groups of birds at feeders and baths are safe and disease-free.
Review the tips below on cleaning your bird feeder:
- Change the water in bird feeders every few days to remove debris
- Scrub bird baths a few times each month to remove built-up algae and bacteria
- During spring and summer seasons, soak dirty feeders in 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and let dry before re-hanging. This can be done every few weeks
- If birds are sick or dying at your feeder, remove all feeders/baths and clean up leftover food underneath the feeder. It is recommended to keep feeders down for 2 weeks to reduce congregating and further disease spread
- Please call 1-866-431-BIRD (2473) to report dead birds at your feeders
Bird health resources
Factsheets:
CWHC resources:
- Strategies to prevent and control bird-feeder associated diseases and threats
- Reducing the spread of diseases among backyard birds
Birds and poisons:
Report dead wild birds
The B.C. Interagency Wild Bird Mortality Investigation Protocol in collaboration with Canadian and B.C. Governments, works with reports of bird diseases and deaths, to coordinate surveillance in B.C. for Avian Influenza Virus and West Nile Virus. To report dead wild birds, please call 1-866-431-BIRD (2473) and read the 2023 Wild Bird Mortality and Flu Surveillance Program (PDF, 337KB).
Contact information
For wildlife-human interactions where public safety may be at risk call the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line:
For wildlife health inquiries or reports:
Wildlife Health Office
250 751-7246
250 751-7246
Wildlife Health Email
Caeley.Thacker@gov.bc.ca
Caeley.Thacker@gov.bc.ca