2 suspected cases of avian flu now confirmed in Manitoba, province says

The avian flu has now been confirmed to be in Manitoba, after samples from snow geese and a bald eagle have been examined for the virus and got here again constructive.

The province previously said there have been two suspected circumstances of the fowl flu. These two circumstances are actually confirmed.

The samples from the snow geese have been collected in southwestern Manitoba, and the pattern from the bald eagle was collected close to Dauphin, Manitoba Pure Assets and Northern Improvement stated in a information launch on Wednesday.

The group of snow geese had died, prompting the pattern to be taken and examined. The bald eagle was exhibiting indicators of neurological impairment and was humanely euthanized, in keeping with the province.

Each samples examined constructive for the H5N1 subtype of the extremely pathogenic avian influenza.

To this point, there have not been any circumstances detected in any poultry flocks within the province, and the H5N1 pressure doesn’t pose a meals security danger, the province says.

The H5N1 virus has been detected in a number of provinces, together with Alberta, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia in latest months.

The virus has additionally been detected south of the border in North Dakota and Minnesota, alongside the route that spring migratory birds journey when returning to Manitoba within the spring, the province of Manitoba says.

Whereas the danger of transmission of avian influenza to people is low — there aren’t any identified circumstances of transmission in North America — folks mustn’t contact lifeless birds or different wildlife with their naked arms.

The province recommends protecting eyewear, masks and gloves when dealing with wildlife, and says to get rid of a lifeless fowl, it needs to be positioned in a plastic bag.

The province additionally asks residents to contact its toll-free tip line at 1-800-782-0076 in the event that they discover any of the next:

• Six or extra lifeless waterfowl, like geese or geese.
• Any variety of lifeless raptors or avian scavengers, like ravens or crows.
• Massive teams of lifeless birds.

Small flock homeowners in Manitoba ought to take precautions, as small flocks are at excessive danger for an infection. As a result of they typically have a free vary or out of doors pens, it’s possible that small flocks may are available contact with wild birds carrying the virus. 

If in any respect doable, Manitoba Agriculture recommends that small flock homeowners maintain their birds indoors throughout the high-risk interval of spring migration.

Poultry farmers ought to observe strict bio-security protocols and take precautions with farm guests, and proceed monitoring info offered by the Workplace of the Chief Veterinarian, the province says.