Another incident of a large number of Canada geese dying has been observed in southern Manitoba, this time to the north of Winnipeg. Roughly 50 deceased geese were spotted on the frozen Red River in Lockport, approximately 15 kilometers north of Winnipeg. This discovery follows the removal of 165 goose carcasses from retention ponds in Niverville, about 20 kilometers south of Winnipeg, where lab tests confirmed they succumbed to the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus.
Canadian Wildlife Service biologist Frank Baldwin indicated that although testing on the Lockport goose carcasses has not been conducted yet, the similar pattern and quantity of deaths suggest the same disease is causing the fatalities. Avian influenza, historically labeled as “fowl plague,” has evolved over time, with the current dominant H5N1 strain originating in China in 1996 and spreading globally to impact both birds and mammals.
The recent increase in wild bird mortality due to the virus, particularly affecting geese, is a cause for concern as it deviates from past patterns. While the H5N1 virus is considered low-risk to humans by the Public Health Agency of Canada, precautions are advised when encountering dead birds to avoid potential exposure. The virus has also been identified in scavenger species, heightening the need for vigilance in handling wildlife.
The significant number of dead geese in concentrated areas like Niverville and Lockport is unusual and underscores the severity of the current avian flu outbreak. The virus’s spread among migratory birds during seasonal migrations poses an ongoing challenge for wildlife management. Efforts to monitor and mitigate the impact of the H5N1 virus on Canada geese and other affected bird populations continue, with increased awareness and preventive measures recommended for both the public and wildlife professionals.
In response to the escalating threat of avian flu, the provincial authorities have been actively testing and monitoring bird populations to track the spread of the virus and assess its impact on local ecosystems. The situation underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and collaborative efforts to address the evolving challenges posed by avian influenza.