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Reports of sick and dead geese around High River, Alberta, have stirred up worries about the spread of avian influenza in local bird populations. This town, located about an hour south of Calgary, has seen a noticeable increase in affected waterfowl, prompting authorities and wildlife experts to issue warnings. Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that can affect all species of birds, including domestic poultry. However, wild ducks and geese are recognized as the main carriers of the virus, often showing symptoms that include abnormal behavior such as swimming in circles and cloudy eyes.
The town of High River has advised residents to avoid contact with sick or dead birds, keep pets away from wildlife and local waterways, and report any sightings of ill or deceased birds to the provincial government or the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative. A veterinary pathologist from the University of Calgary, Dayna Goldsmith, noted that the current outbreak isn’t surprising given that avian flu has been affecting wildlife since early fall, with the worst mortality rates seen in waterfowl, especially Canada geese. In High River, most of the reported cases have involved geese exhibiting unusual behavior, consistent with classical signs of avian influenza.
Experts explain that the recent spike in avian flu cases coincides with the fall migration period when migratory birds gather in large groups, increasing their vulnerability to the virus. While reports of similar infections have been circulating for the past three years, this year’s incidence appears higher, though it remains unclear if this is due to a change in the virus strain or a greater number of susceptible birds. The virus is known for its ability to evolve rapidly, which makes it difficult to predict how the outbreak will unfold in the coming months.
Aside from waterfowl, other bird species such as raptors and magpies can also contract the virus if they feed on infected carcasses. Alberta's Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas has acknowledged the outbreak, noting that more cases are expected as migratory birds continue their southward movement across the province. Despite the increase, the number of confirmed cases remains low compared to the hundreds of thousands of waterfowl passing through Alberta during fall migration. Since September 1, there have been 169 lab-confirmed cases of avian influenza in wild birds in the region.
Authorities recommend that anyone who finds a dead bird should avoid direct contact. If handling is necessary, they should wear gloves, use plastic bags to double-bag the carcass, wash their hands thoroughly after, and report the incident promptly. While avian flu primarily targets birds, there have been occasional cases reported in mammals such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, cats, and dogs in Canada. Rarely, humans have also been infected, with symptoms ranging from mild, flu-like signs to more severe complications like pneumonia or organ failure.
Local public health officials emphasize vigilance and caution during this period to prevent further spread. The virus's persistence in wild bird populations suggests that outbreaks may continue to occur seasonally, with fall typically being the worst time, similar to flu patterns in humans. The community of High River and surrounding areas are urged to stay informed, practice safe wildlife interactions, and cooperate with health authorities to monitor and manage the situation effectively.
