Another incident of a massive die-off of Canada geese has been discovered in southern Manitoba, this time north of Winnipeg. Approximately 50 deceased geese were spotted on Monday, lying in the snow on the frozen Red River in Lockport, roughly 15 kilometers north of Winnipeg. This finding follows the removal of 165 goose carcasses last week from retention ponds in Niverville, about 20 kilometers south of Winnipeg, where lab tests confirmed the cause of death to be the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus.
Canadian Wildlife Service biologist Frank Baldwin indicated that although testing on the Lockport carcasses has not been conducted yet, the similar number and distribution suggest the same disease may be responsible for the deaths. Avian influenza, historically known as “fowl plague,” has evolved over time, with the current dominant H5N1 strain emerging in China in 1996 and subsequently spreading globally, affecting both birds and mammals.
Baldwin highlighted the unusual mortality rate in geese this year, as previous instances did not result in significant harm to migratory birds. However, in 2021, unprecedented wild bird die-offs began to emerge, with Manitoba detecting its first wild bird case of avian flu in spring 2022. While the H5N1 virus is considered low-risk to humans by the Public Health Agency of Canada, precautions should be taken around dead birds, and pets should be kept away from them.
The presence of scavengers preying on the deceased birds in Lockport raises concerns, as many scavengers have tested positive for the H5 virus. It is advised that hunters handling birds in open spaces maintain strict hygiene practices and ensure thorough cooking of meat. The ongoing circulation of H5N1 across Canada and worldwide among migratory species underscores the need for vigilance during peak migration seasons when new cases are frequently detected.
Despite the annual occurrence of bird flu, the unprecedented concentration of dead birds in Niverville and Lockport is alarming. Baldwin emphasized the potential impact on Canada geese, noting the lack of recent data to fully assess the situation. As cold weather forces birds to gather in remaining open water areas, facilitating rapid virus transmission, the increased interaction with ducks, the main reservoir of the virus, likely contributes to the current mortality peak.
Ducks, benefiting from background immunity to low pathogenic avian flu viruses, show fewer signs of illness compared to other birds. Individuals encountering sick or deceased birds are encouraged to report them to the provincial TIP line at 1-800-782-0076. The unique circumstances surrounding the mass die-offs highlight the urgency of monitoring and implementing preventive measures to mitigate further spread of the avian influenza virus.