Another instance of a large number of Canada geese dying off has been observed in southern Manitoba, this time located to the north of Winnipeg. Approximately 50 deceased geese were spotted on Monday, scattered across the snow-covered frozen Red River in Lockport, situated about 15 kilometers north of Winnipeg. This discovery follows the removal of 165 goose carcasses the previous week from retention ponds in Niverville, roughly 20 kilometers south of Winnipeg. Laboratory tests confirmed that the geese in Niverville had succumbed to the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza virus.
Canadian Wildlife Service biologist Frank Baldwin mentioned to CBC Manitoba’s Information Radio host Marcy Markusa that while no carcasses have been retrieved from Lockport for testing yet, the similar pattern and quantity of dead birds suggest that the same disease is responsible for the fatalities in both locations.
According to Baldwin, the avian influenza virus, commonly known as bird flu, has a long history, with the current dominant strain, H5N1, originating in China in 1996 and spreading globally, affecting various bird and mammal species. Despite birds historically carrying the virus without harm, an unusual surge in wild bird deaths began in 2021, with the first case in wild birds in Manitoba detected in the spring of 2022.
Although the Public Health Agency of Canada considers the H5N1 virus to pose a low risk to humans, caution is advised when encountering dead birds. Baldwin emphasized the need to refrain from handling them and to keep pets away. Additionally, scavengers in Lockport have been found infected with a form of the H5 virus, highlighting the importance of hunters taking precautions while handling birds and ensuring that meat is thoroughly cooked.
The recent increase in bird deaths is particularly concerning due to its unprecedented scale, noted Baldwin. The concentration of remaining geese in areas with open water during cold weather facilitates the rapid spread of the virus among the population. The proximity of geese to ducks, considered the primary reservoir of the virus, is believed to be a contributing factor to the heightened mortality rate.
While ducks have built immunity to low pathogenic avian flu viruses, resulting in fewer deaths among them, the impact on Canada geese remains uncertain. With 726 dead birds tested in Manitoba this year, 54 have tested positive for H5N1. The provincial Department of Natural Resources spokesperson highlighted that while many avian influenza strains circulate harmlessly among migratory species, the widespread presence of H5N1 in Canada and globally is a cause for concern.
Baldwin stressed that the situation demands vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect both wildlife and human health. Authorities advise individuals encountering sick or dead birds to report their findings to the provincial TIP line at 1-800-782-0076.