Manitoba is investigating a case of avian influenza in wild birds in the province.
Samples from several suspect birds in southwestern Manitoba near Waskada and a single bird near Dauphin are being tested,
Cases of avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 have been confirmed in a number of provinces and states including North Dakota and Minnesota.
The province says that the risk of avian influenza to human health is low and there are no known cases of this strain of the virus from birds to humans in North America.
This strain of the virus does not pose a risk to food safety.
The province is warning small poultry-flock owners to take precautions as small flocks are considered at high risk for HPAI due to often having access to outdoor pens or free range. This increases the possibility of contact with wild birds that may have been contaminated with the virus. Small flock owners are encouraged to confirm their birds indoors if possible during wild bird migration.
Officials are also asking Manitobans to report dead birds in the following scenarios to 1-800-782-0076:
- clusters of six or more dead waterfowl (e.g., ducks, geese) or other water birds;
- any number of dead raptors or avian scavengers (e.g., ravens, crows, gulls); and
- large groups of dead birds, such as more than 20 of any species.
More information is available at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/update-avian-influenza-in-north-america.html
© News4.ca 2022
