The MARS Wildlife Rescue Centre is asking residents in the Comox Valley to keep an eye out for wildlife acting strangely as bird flu is “highly suspected to be back in the Comox Valley.”

MARS says the disease often presents as certain birds “acting strangely”. Infected birds can appear disoriented and wobbly, unstable, or may be rocking back and forth. In many cases, they have a head twitch/recurrent tick, and may even appear blind with hazy eyes (sometimes described as having blue eyes). Diarrhea can be a very bright green.

Avian Influenza depletes populations in the wild and has affected over 8 million birds to date in BC. Some species across the world have taken huge population declines from bird flu, which has significantly affected conservation efforts of certain species worldwide .

The Wildlife Centre says if you spot wildlife acting strangely and exhibiting symptoms, particularly waterfowl, gulls, sea and shorebirds, but also raptors and corvids, you’re urged to call the wildlife hospital at 250-337-2021.

It’s recommended waiting until the end of November to put up seed and suet feeders. Concentrating birds such as crows and jays at feeders has the potential to spread the pathogen. And, once feeders go up, make sure to clean them weekly, including seed debris. Hummingbird feeders, cleaned weekly, are a low risk of transmission so can remain up.