Nova Scotia animal rehab raises money for avian influenza quarantine space
As cases of avian influenza mount in the Maritimes, the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Brookfield, N.S., is raising money to build a space for birds to quarantine.
Avian influenza H5N1, is a highly pathogenic disease that affects a bird’s respiratory tract, and can eventually kill them — in the past few months, cases have been reported in every Maritime province.
“It’s very important that we have a room where they can be comfortable,” said wildlife operations manager Brenda Boates. “It would make it so much more efficient for us to work with these poor sick birds.”
The group is hoping to raise $7,000 to have a building delivered and set up.
Boates says when new birds arrive to the centre they need to be isolated, sometimes for as long as 30 days. Adding that isolation is necessary because the disease is spread by contact.
“That means through feces, touching the bird, if the bird coughs or sneezes,” said Boates.
An intake process that used to be relatively simple, Boates says, has turned into a more complicated affair.
“Now when the birds come, we get a call ahead of time, the birds are brought to us by the department of natural resources and renewables. We are donning full PPE,” she said.
The group is currently using a modified garage to isolate the birds.
Donations to the fundraising campaign can be made by visiting the Canada Helps website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa driver who appeared to be racing another vehicle on Highway 416 facing charges
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says an Ottawa driver is facing charges after being caught going 187 km/h on Highway 416.
Helicopter carrying Iran's hard-line president apparently crashes in foggy, mountainous region
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country's foreign minister and other officials apparently crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran on Sunday, sparking a massive rescue operation in a fog-shrouded forest as the public was urged to pray.
Canadian immigration asks medical worker fleeing Gaza if he treated Hamas fighters
Lawyers are questioning Canada’s approach to screening visa applications for people in Gaza with extended family in Canada after one applicant, a medical worker, was asked whether he had treated members of Hamas.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
BREAKING NEWS 'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
French security forces work to regain control of airport highway in violence-scorched New Caledonia
Using armoured vehicles and backhoes to shove aside charred barricades, French security forces worked Sunday to retake control of the highway to the international airport in violence-scorched New Caledonia, shuttered because of deadly unrest wracking the French Pacific archipelago where indigenous people have long sought independence from France.
Diddy admits beating ex-girlfriend Cassie, says he's sorry, calls his actions 'inexcusable'
Sean 'Diddy' Combs admitted Sunday that he beat his ex-girlfriend in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN released video of the attack, saying in a video apology he was 'truly sorry' and his actions were 'inexcusable.'
'It's pure joy!': B.C. pilot takes 96-year-old grandma on meaningful flight
“Good to see you,” Ryan Godard says before giving his 96-year-old grandma a big hug and walking her towards the small airplane. “Let’s get you prepped.”