SASKATUN – The city of Saskatoon encourages residents to be careful when dealing with or interacting with wild birds to help prevent the spread of bird flu or bird flu. The Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture confirmed earlier this month that a goose found near Elrose had tested positive. The Canadian Food Inspection Service has collected samples that show that the snow goose carries the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This confirmation follows HPAI detection in poultry and wild birds in the United States and several provinces in Canada. In addition, city officials would like to remind the public that the spawning season for Canadian geese has begun. Geese are known to protect their nests and will become aggressive if you get too close for their comfort. People are advised to be especially careful and aware if they are in areas close to possible nesting sites. Avian flu is a viral infection that can spread easily and quickly among birds. Some species of wild birds, such as ducks, can transmit the virus and infect other birds without infecting themselves. Other species of birds are more likely to become seriously ill and die when they become infected with certain types of bird flu. Officials say the risk to public health is extremely low and there is no risk to food safety. The city is asking everyone to help respond to the ongoing outbreak by not feeding the birds by hand, temporarily removing feeders that encourage the birds to gather and not touch sick or dead birds. Residents are also encouraged to report any sick or dead birds found at the Environment Ministry Research Center at 1-800-567-4224 or email [email protected] Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo has temporarily relocated all bird species to the zoo to a safe facility to protect them from bird flu.
