Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shediac
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Atlantic Wildlife Institute's Post
Atlantic Wildlife Institute
1d ·
We have had our first case for 2025 of HPAI/Avian flu admitted to our facility. Heartbreaking and worrisome.
This Red-breasted Merganser was found in Shediac in late February on the snow in the caller's backyard. Alive upon arrival, the signs were severe enough to indicate illness, and with our bio-security protocols still in effect, the merganser was immediately put into quarantine where she passed a short time later.
Preliminary testing at the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CHWC) in PEI was positive, confirmation will come from the national lab in Winnipeg.
This bird was found right around the same time as a large die off of Canada Geese on PEI was detected. "As the crow flies" the merganser was found just across the Northumberland Strait from the incident on the island. There have also been new cases this year in wild birds in Nfld and wild and domestic birds in NS. So, the virus is still very active in our region.
We urge caution when seeing a dead or dying bird/mammal. Please call a local DNR ranger office, or federal agents if you see 5 or more wild animals in one location, in distress. If you are going to retrieve (to bring to a rehab facility) use gloves, a disposable container and wash your hands, clothes and shoes afterwards, including the vehicle. Do not let your pets sniff, pick up or play with a dying or dead animal that you may come across. Avian flu has the potential of infecting mammals as well, as its track record confirms.
If you have domestic birds at home (exotics, poultry, ducks, etc.) stay vigilant in keeping the virus from coming in contact with your birds. This includes keeping them indoors or under protective cover, keeping cages and coups regularly cleaned, using separate clothing and footwear when around your own birds, not feeding wildlife (ie. bird feeders) that could entice wild ducks/geese or raccoons/skunks/fox and reporting any suspicious deaths to CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency).
As for symptoms, we see (like in the case of this merganser) lethargy, difficulty standing, non-responsive behaviour, tremors and seizures. The virus can also present with respiratory distress.
This bird could not be helped, but at least removing her from the environment saved the potential spread to others in her flock, to predatory birds/mammals and domestic animals.
For more information on this disease, please contact the CHWC on PEI at 902.628.4314
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