Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – Sick or Dead Bird Reporting
Members of the public are asked to report sick or dead birds as part of ongoing monitoring of a North American outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The virus has recently been detected in wild and domestic birds in the Maritime provinces, Ontario, BC, and most recently in a number of US states in all four flyways. While the disease can cause high levels of mortality in domestic poultry, cases and isolated mortality events have also been reported in free ranging wild birds, including geese, gulls, shorebirds, and raptors. Cases of HPAI are likely to be detected in the prairie provinces as waterfowl and other birds migrate into the province. Although avian influenza viruses usually do not infect humans and do not spread easily from person-to-person, individuals should avoid handling sick or dead birds. The following bird species are of most interest, and should be reported:
- Clusters of dead waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans) or other water birds (loons, shorebirds, wading birds)
- Any number of raptors or avian scavengers (e.g. ravens, crows, gulls)
- Illness involving raptors, waterfowl, or avian scavengers
- Mortality event involving any species of birds exceeding 20 animals
If you encounter a sick or dead bird, or receive an inquiry from the public regarding sick or dead birds, please refer to the contact list below. Public reports to CWS staff should be re-directed to the appropriate number/website below. CWS staff who redirect public reports or receive reports of sick or dead birds should contact Maureen Kay and provide details for tracking purposes.
Alberta
Contact the nearest Alberta Environment and Parks Office – 310-0000 (this number will provide redirect to appropriate office).
Alternatively, Alberta Environment and Parks Outreach Services: Call Toll Free Alberta: 310-3773 or contact https://www.alberta.ca/communicate-with-government.aspx
Saskatchewan
Contact the Ministry of Environment Inquiry Center at 1-800-567-4224
or the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 1-306-966-5815 or https://cwhc.wildlifesubmissions.org.
Manitoba
Turn-In-Poachers (TIP)/Forest Fire Situation 24 hours 1-800-782-0076
Or Contact the nearest Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development Office
Please refer to the following web links for up-to-date information regarding Avian Influenza:
Human Health and Safety, Handling and Consumption Guidance.
Wild birds and avian influenza – Handling guidelines – Public Health Agency of Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/flu-influenza/fact-sheet-guidance-on-precautions- handling-wild-birds.html#a4
Avian Influenza and Wild Birds
Avian influenza in wild birds and avian influenza – Environment and Climate Change Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/migratory-game-bird-hunting/avian- influenza-wild-birds.html
Avian Influenza and Domestic Poultry and Pet Birds
How to prevent and detect disease in backyard flocks and pet birds – Canadian Food Inspection Agency
https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/backyard-flocks-and-pet- birds/eng/1323643634523/1323644740109
For updates regarding the spread of avian influenza and HPAI outbreaks see the following websites:
Wild Birds
Canada
http://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/avian_influenza_biweekly_reports.php. You can also receive automatic updates via email by sending a request to info@cwhc-rcsf.ca.
United States
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease- information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-wild-birds
Domestic Poultry
Canada: https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/avian- influenza/eng/1323990856863/1323991018946
United States: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease- information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-commercial-backyard-flocks