Avian flu detected in Halifax Regional Municipality
Posted Feb 1, 2022 03:05:54 PM.
Avian flu has been detected in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed a Canada goose tested positive in the Grand Desert area on Friday.
The Department of Natural Resources and Renewables says there are at least 15 types of the viral infection.
It poses little risk to people, but can spread easily and quickly among birds.
Some wild bird species, such as ducks, can carry and spread the virus without getting sick, but other bird species can become severely ill and die.
“We urge the public to avoid feeding or handling wild birds like ducks, geese, pheasants, pigeons and gulls to prevent disease spread,” said the department's director of wildlife, Bob Petrie.
Sick or dead birds can be reported to the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables at 1-800-565-2224.