Winnipeg –
The province confirmed that the presence of avian influenza was found in two different samples of wild birds in Manitoba.
The province said in a press release Wednesday that the Canadian Wildlife Conservation Agency had confirmed the cases after samples of several snow geese were collected near Vascada and a bald eagle sample was collected in the Dauphin area.
The province said a sample from each site tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1.
He noted that no cases of avian influenza have been detected in poultry flocks in Manitoba.
Cases of HPAI and H5N1 have previously been confirmed in other provinces and the United States, including North Dakota and Minnesota on the route for spring migratory birds returning to Manitoba.
THE PROVINCE RECOMMENDS ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS
The province said the risk of bird flu to human health was low and there were no known cases of transmission of this strain of birds to humans in North America.
However, the province said that people should not touch dead birds or other wild animals with their bare hands. Goggles and masks are recommended as an additional precaution. The province advises washing your hands thoroughly before and after with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
If you have to work with a dead bird, the province said you have to wear gloves and the dead bird has to be put in a plastic bag.
The province also said the strain did not pose a risk to food safety. Poultry and eggs from Manitoba are safe to eat when processed and prepared properly, say the province.
Officials are also asking Manitoba residents to contact them if they notice clusters of six or more dead wild waterfowl such as ducks or geese or other waterfowl, any number of dead birds of prey or bird cleaners such as crows or crows, or large groups of dead birds. . Anyone who sees this can call the provincial council line at 1-800-782-0076.
SMALL FLOCKS WITH HIGH RISK
In addition, Manitoba Agriculture said small herds are considered at high risk for HPAI infection because they often have access to open-air and free-range pens. Owners of small flocks are encouraged to keep their birds indoors, if possible during the migration of wild birds.
Meanwhile, poultry farmers in Manitoba are urged to adhere to strict biosecurity protocols, such as taking precautions with farm visitors and service companies.
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