AVIAN ADMISSIONS (Spring 2022):

Due to avian influenza, we have had to limit the avian patients we take into our care this season. This is in order to protect our staff, volunteers, and resident animals, as it is a zoonotic disease that can be transferred. These decisions were not easy to make, but they have been made with the best interests of our human and animal friends in mind.

We are currently able to accept the following patients:
Hatchling, Nestling, and Fledgling songbirds *
Birds of Prey (No Turkey Vultures at this time)
Infant waterfowl who have not begun to grow adult feathers
Eggs

* We are not able to accept crows or ravens at this time. We are also unable to accept Invasive Species such as starlings, as it would go against our licensing agreements.

We are currently unable to accept:
Juvenile or adult waterfowl
Shorebirds
Loons, Herons, Grebes
Crows & Ravens
Turkey Vultures

Due to the presence of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 being confirmed within wild populations of birds in Ontario, Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue has had to make the very difficult decision not to accept avian patients. All species of birds are able to contract this transmissible disease. Due to the highly infectious nature of this disease we are making these decisions with the health and safety of our permanent residents, staff, and volunteers in mind.

We understand that it can be difficult to find a bird who is in distress or in need of assistance and are still here to answer your questions. We ask that at this time that if you are looking to report a sick or deceased bird, contact the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (1-800-567-2033 or report online http://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/report_and_submit.php).

The risk of contracting this strain of avian influenza is minimal for humans, however we still advise that you do not try and handle wild birds yourself. Please do not attempt to rehabilitate any wild animal yourself - it is unsafe for yourself and the animal, as well as it is against the law in Ontario to possess wildlife without proper permits.

Please be patient with us during this trying time. We are doing our best and working around the clock to be able to continue to save as many wild lives as possible.

For more information about High Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 visit the CFIA website: https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/backyard-flocks-and-pet-birds/eng/1323643634523/1323644740109