Thousands of Gulf of St. Lawrence seabirds likely dead of avian flu
Wildlife officers across the shores of Prince Edward Island are being saved busy amassing sick and lifeless birds from seashores.
“It has been holding us, in addition to [the P.E.I. government division of] fish and wildlife and the Canadian Wildlife Service all very busy, for positive,” stated Dr. Megan Jones, Atlantic regional director of the Canadian Wildlife Well being Cooperative, and a professor on the Atlantic Veterinary School.
She stated Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has additionally been concerned.
The birds are largely northern gannets, and 230 of them have examined constructive for avian flu. Jones stated the doubtless toll across the Gulf of St. Lawrence is within the 1000’s.
Northern gannets breed in densely-packed colonies, offering simple avenues for the virus to unfold because the birds come collectively to nest within the spring.
‘Uncharted territory’
Whereas to date it has been largely gannets, two widespread murres had been picked up off a seashore in japanese P.E.I. — constructive for avian flu in preliminary assessments — and there have been reviews of double-crested cormorants in New Brunswick.
“We’re simply making an attempt to get an thought of what the numbers are, the place they’re being affected and what species are concerned so we will a minimum of observe what’s occurring,” stated Jones.
“Sadly, as a result of it is in wild birds, and there is probably not something you are able to do about that.”
Avian flu is usually a severe concern for farmers if it spreads from wild birds to home poultry.
It is tough to know what course avian flu within the gulf will take, stated Jones.
“We’re in uncharted territory right here. That is new for our area,” she stated.
“Because it warms up the virus does not survive as properly within the surroundings underneath heat temperatures. UV mild can also be good for killing viruses.”
However, she added, the hope of summer time climate knocking again the virus is countered by concern about situations within the breeding colonies.
Because the virus continues to unfold, individuals who preserve home birds on the Island are being suggested to stop them from having any contact with wild birds.
