Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfo...hn-s-1.6301436
Avian flu discovered in birds around St. John's, Environment Canada says
Infected birds could have come from Europe, MUN biology prof says
CBC News · Posted: Dec 31, 2021 4:50 PM NT | Last Updated: 3 hours ago
Environment Canada says a highly pathogenic avian influenza first identified on a farm on the Avalon Peninsula has been found in birds around the St. John's area.
In a statement from the City of St. John's on Friday, officials say the influenza, known as H5N1 and often called bird flu, has been confirmed to have been found in wild birds in areas like Bowring Park, Quidi Vidi Lake and other areas frequented by flocks of birds.
"Like our human flu, it has variants that we refer to as highly pathogenic, meaning that they cause illness and death in birds that get infected with them," said Ian Jones, a biology professor at Memorial University.
The city has asked residents not to feed, touch or handle wild birds, including ducks, pigeons and gulls.
Cases of H5N1 were first identified on the island around mid-December on an exhibition farm on the island, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and a report from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)...
Avian flu discovered in birds around St. John's, Environment Canada says
Infected birds could have come from Europe, MUN biology prof says
CBC News · Posted: Dec 31, 2021 4:50 PM NT | Last Updated: 3 hours ago
Environment Canada says a highly pathogenic avian influenza first identified on a farm on the Avalon Peninsula has been found in birds around the St. John's area.
In a statement from the City of St. John's on Friday, officials say the influenza, known as H5N1 and often called bird flu, has been confirmed to have been found in wild birds in areas like Bowring Park, Quidi Vidi Lake and other areas frequented by flocks of birds.
"Like our human flu, it has variants that we refer to as highly pathogenic, meaning that they cause illness and death in birds that get infected with them," said Ian Jones, a biology professor at Memorial University.
The city has asked residents not to feed, touch or handle wild birds, including ducks, pigeons and gulls.
Cases of H5N1 were first identified on the island around mid-December on an exhibition farm on the island, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and a report from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)...
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