Another incident of a significant die-off of Canada geese has been discovered in southern Manitoba, this time in the vicinity north of Winnipeg. Approximately 50 deceased geese were observed on Monday, found on the frozen Red River in Lockport, which is situated about 15 kilometers north of Winnipeg. This finding follows the removal of 165 goose carcasses last week from retention ponds in Niverville, located around 20 kilometers south of Winnipeg. Laboratory tests confirmed that these geese perished due to the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus.
Canadian Wildlife Service biologist Frank Baldwin mentioned to CBC Manitoba’s Information Radio host Marcy Markusa that they haven’t yet retrieved the Lockport carcasses for testing. However, based on the quantity and distribution of the dead birds, they suspect that the same disease is responsible for these casualties. Avian influenza, or bird flu, was initially referred to as “fowl plague” when it was first identified in Italy back in 1878. Over time, the virus has evolved, with the current dominant H5 strain, H5N1, originating in China in 1996 and subsequently spreading worldwide, impacting both birds and mammals.
Baldwin noted an unusual situation this year as the virus typically didn’t harm migratory birds in the past but rather affected domestic poultry. However, in 2021, there was a shift when unprecedented wild bird die-offs began to surface. The first case of wild birds in Manitoba was detected in spring 2022. Despite the low risk of the H5N1 virus to humans, precautions should be taken around dead birds, and pets should be kept away from them.
It was observed that scavengers had picked at at least one goose in Lockport, with a provincial veterinary lab confirming numerous scavengers being infected by a form of the H5 virus. This includes coyotes, otters, foxes, ravens, crows, snowy owls, and bald eagles. Hunters were advised to handle birds in open spaces cautiously, wash their hands regularly, and ensure that meat is thoroughly cooked.
A spokesperson from Manitoba’s Department of Natural Resources highlighted that while many avian influenza strains typically circulate among migratory species without causing widespread disease, the current spread of H5N1 is broad across Canada and various parts of the world. Wild birds such as geese, ducks, and shorebirds play a significant role in spreading the virus during spring and fall migrations, which is when new cases are frequently detected.
Baldwin mentioned that the geese seen in the Winnipeg region hail from northern and southern Manitoba, as well as Nunavut, based on the recovered bands. In Manitoba this year, 726 dead birds were tested, with 54 testing positive for H5N1. The sheer number of dead birds in specific locations like Niverville and Lockport is unusual and concerning.
Baldwin emphasized the potential impact on Canada geese, noting that the latest data from annual banding dates back to 2023. With the concentration of birds in remaining areas of open water during cold weather, the virus can swiftly spread through the population. The proximity of geese with ducks, the primary reservoir of the virus, is believed to be a key factor driving the current peak in mortality.
Ducks are known to possess background immunity from exposure to low pathogenicity avian flu viruses, which may explain why fewer ducks are being found dead. Individuals encountering sick or deceased birds were advised to contact the provincial TIP line at 1-800-782-0076.
