October 28, 2019, 2:00 pm -
According to the Minsitry of Environment, preliminary lab results are consistent with avian cholera (Pasteurella multocida) bacteria. The outbreak is still fairly localized and hopefully remains small in scale.
They added that avian cholera outbreaks are not uncommon for this time of year, however if you do come accross birds showing symptoms of avian cholera or similar instances of waterfowl die-off, should report them to the Ministry of Environment.
October 28, 2019, 6:00 am -
Last Wednesday, over a hundred dead snow geese and ducks were found near a body of water near Elrose and authorities conveyed the potential cause of death and the risks associated.
Samples were sent to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative to confirm, upon initial description, biologists with the Ministry of Environment suspect it could possibly be the result of avian cholera. This theory is based on the symptoms that the dead birds were exhibiting along with a similar case that was discovered in 2015.
According to the Field Manual of Wildlife Diseases, avian cholera is highly contagious to birds and is mildly contagious to humans and other mammals. Signs of disease in an affected bird would include a drooping head and drooping wings.
Although mildly contagious to humans, sources indicate it would not manifest the same as the cholera infections which affects the small intestine in humans. If transmitted, it would be through secondary contact, including a bite from a pet that has ingested the body fluids from an infected bird. Therefore care should be taken to keep pets, such as cats and dogs, away from birds that are suspected to have contracted avian cholera.
The manual also states however, “Infections unrelated to wounds are also common, and in the majority of human cases, these involve respiratory tract exposure. This is most apt to happen in confined areas of air movement where a large amount of infected material is present.”
Kevin Harrison, conservation officer with the Ministry of Environment, urges anyone who comes across an infected bird to call the TIP line at 1-800-667-7561 and a conservation officer will come properly remove the bird(s).
He reiterated, if a person must handle the dead bird, to make sure the proper precautions are being taken, including wearing gloves and thoroughly washing after handling.
Results from the samples which were sent away last week, are expected to be in later this week. West Central Online will keep you updated as information becomes available.
Thu, Apr 25, 9:30 AM
