SASKATOON — The city of Saskatoon is encouraging residents to use caution when dealing or interacting with wild birds to help prevent the spread of avian influenza or bird flu.
Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture confirmed early this month that a snow goose found near the town of Elrose tested positive. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency collected samples that showed that the snow goose carries highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
This confirmation follows the detection of HPAI in poultry and wild birds in the United States and several Canadian provinces.
In addition, city officials would like to remind the public that nesting season for Canada geese has begun. Geese are known to be protective of their nests and will become aggressive if you get too close for their comfort.
People are advised to exercise extra caution and awareness if they are in areas near potential nesting sites.
Bird flu is a viral infection that can spread easily and quickly among birds. Some wild bird species, like ducks, can carry the virus and infect other birds without getting sick themselves.
Other bird species are more likely to become severely ill and die when infected with some types of avian influenza.
Officials say public health risk is extremely low and there is no risk to food safety.
The city asks everyone to help respond to the ongoing outbreak by not feeding birds by hand, temporarily taking down bird feeders which encourage birds to congregate and not touching sick or dead birds.
Residents are also encouraged to report any sick or dead birds they find to the Ministry of Environment Inquiry Centre at 1-800-567-4224 or email [email protected].
The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo has temporarily relocated all bird species at the zoo to a secure facility to protect them against the avian influenza.
