Skunks test positive for avian influenza
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Skunks test positive for avian influenza

March 14, 2023

The government has confirmed that eight deceased skunks found in Vancouver and Richmond have tested positive for HPAI (avian influenza). Please see their official release below:

Skunks in Richmond, Vancouver test positive for avian influenza

VICTORIA – Testing has confirmed eight skunks found dead in late February in Richmond and Vancouver are positive for avian influenza.

The skunks were found in residential areas in both cities and were taken to B.C.’s Animal Health Centre due to concerns they may have been deliberately poisoned. Testing revealed the skunks were infected with the same strain of H5N1 avian influenza that caused the deaths of wildlife and domestic poultry in the province since the April 2022 outbreak began. The skunks may have contracted influenza by scavenging infected wild birds.

While influenza in skunks is considered to be a low risk to human health, there are always risks when people and pets come into contact with sick or dead wild animals, including skunks and birds. People who encounter a dead skunk in Richmond or Vancouver should leave the animal where it is and contact the B.C. Wildlife Health Program at 250 751-7246.

Since April 2022, wildlife infected by avian influenza in B.C. have included more than 20 species of wild birds, as well as two skunks and one fox found in rural areas of the province.

The cases of H5N1 avian influenza in B.C. are part of a larger national and international outbreak.

Learn More:

Read more information about the province’s response to avian influenza.

Read information about avian influenza.

Contacts:

For questions related to human health:

Provincial Health Services Authority
Media Relations
778-867-7472

For questions related to wildlife health and populations:
Ministry of Forests
Media Relations
250-896-4320

For questions related to the avian influenza outbreak:

Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Media Relations
250-356-1674

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