Wart-covered crows in Victoria are raising eyebrows, but experts say it’s avian pox—a seasonal, non-threatening virus birds often recover from.
Strange Sight Along Dallas Road
If you’ve spotted a group of crows along Victoria’s Dallas Road looking like extras from a horror film, you’re not alone. Covered in crusty, wart-like growths, these birds have been unsettling passersby. But despite their eerie appearance, wildlife experts assure the public there’s no reason to panic.
The cause? Avian pox—a viral disease that targets featherless areas of a bird’s body such as the face, legs, and feet. While the sight may be shocking, specialists emphasize that it’s neither unusual nor deadly in most cases.
Why It’s Happening Now
According to Wallis Reid, senior wildlife rehabilitator at the BC SPCA’s Wild ARC centre, reports of infected birds have surged in recent weeks. The uptick comes partly from photos shared online by local birdwatchers.
But Reid says this seasonal pattern is expected. “It usually occurs after the breeding season, when young birds are spreading out and gathering together,” she explains. Because immature birds have weaker immune systems, they’re more prone to infection.
When Birds Need Help
Despite the sudden wave of sightings, Wild ARC hasn’t seen more sick birds coming into care. Most infected crows can still fly, which makes them nearly impossible to catch. A clear sign that intervention is needed is when a bird is weak enough to be contained.
Avian pox only becomes life-threatening if lesions affect vital functions like vision, feeding, walking, or breathing. In such cases, Reid urges residents to call Wild ARC for guidance.
Will They Recover?
Ann Nightingale of the Rocky Point Bird Observatory reassures the community that most birds survive the illness. Her team, which bands about 7,000 birds annually, sees fewer than 20 avian pox cases a year.
“It looks worse than it usually is,” she notes. Many birds shake off the infection naturally and go on with their lives.
Preventing the Spread
Since avian pox spreads most easily where birds gather in large groups, experts suggest simple backyard precautions. Keeping feeders and birdbaths clean can reduce transmission. If sick birds are spotted at feeders, it’s best to remove them for a while to encourage dispersal.
Safe for People, Bad News for Mosquitoes
While the virus is commonly carried by mosquitoes, humans have nothing to fear. Avian pox is not transmissible to people. So while Victoria’s crows may look like they’ve stepped out of a zombie flick, locals can rest assured—it’s nature’s doing, not the next pandemic.
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