It has now been confirmed that bird flu is in Manitoba, after samples of snow geese and bald eagles were tested for the virus and tested positive.
Earlier, the province said there were two suspected cases of bird flu. Now these two cases have been confirmed.
Samples of snow geese were collected in southwestern Manitoba, and a sample of the bald eagle was collected near Dauphin, Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development said in a press release on Wednesday.
The group of snow geese died, which caused the sample to be taken and tested. The bald eagle showed signs of neurological damage and was euthanized in a humane manner, according to the province.
Both samples were positive for the H5N1 subtype of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
To date, no cases have been found in poultry flocks in the province and the H5N1 strain does not pose a food safety risk, the province said.
The H5N1 virus has been found in several provinces, including Alberta, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia in recent months.
The virus has also been found south of the North Dakota-Minnesota border, along the route that spring migratory birds travel when they return to Manitoba in the spring, Manitoba said.
Although the risk of transmitting avian influenza to humans is low – there are no known cases of transmission in North America – people should not touch dead birds or other wildlife with their bare hands.
The province recommends goggles, masks and gloves when working with wildlife and says that in order to dispose of the dead bird, it must be placed in a plastic bag.
The province also asks citizens to contact its toll-free hotline at 1-800-782-0076 if they find any of the following:
- Six or more dead waterfowl, such as ducks or geese.
- Any number of dead birds of prey or bird cleaners, such as crows or crows.
- Large groups of dead birds.
Owners of small herds in Manitoba should take precautions, as small herds are at high risk of infection. As they often have free range or open-air pens, small flocks are likely to come into contact with wild birds that carry the virus.
If at all possible, Manitoba Agriculture recommends that small flock owners keep their birds indoors during the high-risk period of spring migration.
Poultry farmers must adhere to strict biosecurity protocols and take precautions with farm visitors and continue to monitor information provided by the Office of the Chief Veterinarian, the province said.
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