Avian influenza
Updated May 2023
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in multiple provinces in Canada — including Saskatchewan. HPAI is spreading in wild bird populations across the globe and presents a significant national concern as birds migrate to Canada.
If you find an injured or ill wild bird (such as an owl, hawk, eagle, crow, magpie) waterfowl (such as a duck or goose) or water bird (such as a heron or sandpiper), please do not bring the avian species in to the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre (VMC) building.
Please call the VMC reception team (306-966-7126), and our hospital representative will contact the VMC's avian, exotic and wildlife medicine and surgery service for further instructions.
Click button below to download a copy of the hospital's flyer, "Avian influenza: what you need to know."
Entering the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre
• If you own a pet bird that lives exclusively indoors, you are allowed to bring in your bird to the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre for veterinary care.
• If you own a bird that spends some or all of its time outdoors, do not bring the bird in to the hospital. Leave the bird in your vehicle and please call 306-966-7126 for further instructions.
About
The WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre's Avian, Exotic and Wildlife Medicine and Surgery service provides care for a wide range of animals:
- exotic pets
- zoo animals
- wildlife
Exotic Pets
Our clinical team at the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre cares for a variety of small exotic pets including:
- rabbits, guinea pigs and gerbils
- hedgehogs
- snakes, lizards and iguanas
- birds
- ferrets
- chinchillas
Wildlife
WEAMS
The Wild and Exotic Animal Medicine Society (WEAMS) is a non-profit organization that’s operated by student volunteers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). Members of WEAMS treat injured wildlife — a service that's provided free of charge by the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre.
When concerned citizens bring in ill or injured wildlife to WCVM’s Veterinary Medical Centre, our dedicated members work closely with supervising clinicians to provide care for these special patients. Our goal is to fully rehabilitate all of our patients and to release them in their natural habitat.
Zoo Animals
The WCVM's Avian, Exotic and Wildlife Medicine and Surgery service provides regular veterinary services to all of the animals at the City of Saskatoon's Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.
Our Team
The WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre's clinical team members are dedicated, compassionate people with specialized training and a diverse range of experiences. In addition to providing our patients with high-quality care and support, we are helping to train Western Canada's next generation of veterinary professionals.
What to Expect
While the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre shares many similarities to other veterinary hospitals, there are some differences that may have an impact on your appointment.
Appointments and Referrals
Animal Owners
Contact us to make an appointment. If you are a new client, please click below to find information about our location, parking and what to expect during your animal's appointment.
Emergency services available 24/7
Emergency services are available for acutely ill or seriously injured animals.