Okanagan Animal Rescue Requests CFIA to Spare Peacocks Amid Avian Flu Outbreak

An animal rescue in the Okanagan is making a plea to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to save its peacocks from being put down due to an avian flu outbreak. Critteraid Animal Sanctuary in Summerland shared on social media their struggle with the avian flu that has resulted in the unfortunate deaths of 10 chickens and five ducks.

In a recent letter posted online to the CFIA, the sanctuary explained that the peacocks have been kept separate from affected areas and other birds at the sanctuary. They have not shown any signs of illness and have been isolated from potential exposure risks associated with the flu.

The sanctuary is hopeful for a science-based exemption for the peacocks based on their unique circumstances. They emphasized that the peacocks, like the ducks, have been part of the sanctuary without displaying any symptoms of the flu.

The CFIA has yet to confirm whether the peacocks will be spared, as the sanctuary continues its investigation. This plea comes after the CFIA recently had to cull hundreds of animals at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, BC, due to an avian flu outbreak.

Critteraid Animal Sanctuary’s concerns are rooted in the welfare of their animals and the hope for a compassionate solution amidst the avian flu outbreak. Their dedication to their peacocks and the well-being of all their birds is evident in their efforts to keep them safe and healthy.