Manitoba - Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in wild birds 2022

[Pathfinder]

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in North America

---

Key Messsages

• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is rapidly spreading in both Canada and the US. The disease has been detected in wild birds and domestic flocks in numerous states and provinces, including in the states immediately south of Manitoba, along the Mississippi wild bird migration that extends into Manitoba.
• HPAI is suspected in two cases in wild birds in Manitoba.
• Owners of all poultry and non poultry flocks should take the following precautions to protect their flocks and prevent the spread of HPAI:
  • Flocks should be kept inside as long as possible, at minimum until spring migration is passed.
  • Trading, sales and exhibitions of live birds between flocks should be stopped until the risk of HPAI is determined to be reduced. Purchase of chicks from licensed and inspected hatcheries is considered safe.
  • Prevent contact between flocks and wild birds; Feed spills should be cleaned up immeidiately. Dead birds and manure should be not be stored near flocks.
  • Ensure all clothing, footwear, equipment and materials that come in contact with flocks are clean. Feeding and watering equipment should be cleaned and disinfected frequently.
  • Small flock and non commercial flock owners should register their flocks on Manitoba’s Premises Identification Database. This allows rapid contact should HPAI be found nearby.
  • Contact a veterinarian immediately if any increase in sudden death or respiratory signs is seen in a flock. Veterinarians working with small holder or hobby flocks can submit under the province’s Small Flock Avian Influenza Program.

---

Update

• Currently in Manitoba, two suspect, but not confirmed cases of HPAI have been identified in wild birds in Manitoba. The first suspect was identified in a group of lesser snow geese that experienced mortalities near Waskada. The second suspect was a bald eagle in the Dauphin area that was observed with neurologic signs and humanely euthanized. Samples submitted to Manitoba Agriculture’s Veterinary Diagnostic Services were positive for Avian Influenza (AI) on initial screening tests. Samples have been submitted to the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease in Winnipeg for confirmatory testing. A number of commercial and small flock poultry premises have been identified within 50kms of the affected areas. Further follow up with these premises will occur as needed.
• There are no reports of HPAI, subtype H5N1 are only in wild birds, with no reports of HPAI, subtype H5N1 in commercial poultry or non-commercial poultry in Manitoba so far this year. A high number of cases have been reported across wild and domestic bird populations in both the United States and Canada. Poultry producers and industry service personnel should be aware of an increased risk of HPAI transmission during this year’s wild bird spring migration, and remain vigilant on maintaining biosecurity measures on and around poultry farms.
• Manitoba's poultry associations, Manitoba Agriculture, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and other provincial and federal agencies continue to work closely to evaluate the risks to Manitoba poultry from the current North American outbreak.
• The risk to human health is considered low by public health agencies in the USA and Canada.

...
https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/a.../update-avian-influenza-in-north-america.html

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/avian-flu-confirmed-manitoba-april-2022-1.6424668

2 suspected cases of avian flu now confirmed in Manitoba, province says
Both samples tested positive for the highly contagious H5N1 bird flu
CBC News · Posted: Apr 20, 2022 11:45 AM CT | Last Updated: April 20

The avian flu has now been confirmed to be in Manitoba, after samples from snow geese and a bald eagle were tested for the virus and came back positive.

The province previously said there were two suspected cases of the bird flu. Those two cases are now confirmed.

The samples from the snow geese were collected in southwestern Manitoba, and the sample from the bald eagle was collected near Dauphin, Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development said in a news release on Wednesday.

The group of snow geese had died, prompting the sample to be taken and tested. The bald eagle was showing signs of neurological impairment and was humanely euthanized, according to the province.

Both samples tested positive for the H5N1 subtype of the highly pathogenic avian influenza. The province says it expects to report more confirmed cases in the coming weeks and throughout the summer...

 

[Pathfinder]

Media Bulletin - Manitoba



Français
April 20, 2022

AVIAN INFLUENZA CONFIRMED IN WILD BIRD SAMPLES IN MANITOBA

---

Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development advises the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) has confirmed the presence of avian influenza in two different wild bird samples in Manitoba.

Samples from several snow geese were collected in southwestern Manitoba near Waskada and a single sample from a bald eagle was collected in the Dauphin area. A sample from each location has tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), subtype H5N1.

To date, no cases of avian influenza have been detected in poultry flocks in Manitoba.

Cases of HPAI H5N1 have been confirmed in a number of Canadian provinces and the United States including jurisdictions immediately south of Manitoba in North Dakota and Minnesota along the route for spring migratory birds returning to Manitoba.

The risk of avian influenza to human health is low. There are no known cases of transmission of this strain of the virus from birds to humans in North America.

This strain of avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk. Manitoba poultry and eggs are safe to eat when proper handling and cooking take place. Regular food safety and hygiene precautions should be followed when preparing wild game. Hunters should avoid eating birds that are visibly ill.

Although the risk of transmission of avian influenza to humans is low, people should not touch dead birds or other wildlife with their bare hands. Protective eyewear and masks are recommended as an additional precaution. Hands should be thoroughly washed before and after with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If a dead bird has to be handled, gloves should be worn and the dead bird placed in a plastic bag.

Manitobans are asked to contact the TIP Line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076 if they find any of the following:

• clusters of six or more dead wild waterfowl (e.g., ducks, geese) or other water birds;
• any number of dead raptors or avian scavengers (e.g., ravens, crows, gulls); or
• large groups of dead birds, such as more than 20 of any species.

The public’s co-operation is appreciated to help monitor this developing situation.

Manitoba Agriculture advises small flock owners to take precautions. Small flocks are considered at high risk for HPAI infection as they often have access to outdoor pens or free range. This means there is a high probability of contact with wild birds that may be contaminated with the HPAI virus. Small flock owners are encouraged to confine their birds indoors, if at all possible, during this high-risk period of wild bird migration.

Manitoba’s poultry farmers are urged to follow strict biosecurity protocols including taking precautions with farm visitors and service companies. Producers are also advised to continue to monitoring information provided through their sector organizations and the Office of the Chief Veterinarian.

For more information or help with animal health-related concerns, producers can contact the Office of the Chief Veterinarian or call 204-945-7663 in Winnipeg.

Additional information is available at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/update-avian-influenza-in-north-america.html.

Updates on wild bird surveillance testing and results are posted on the CHWC website at www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/avian_influenza.php.


https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item=54262