Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development advises the Canadian Wildlife Health Corporation confirmed the presence of Avian Influenza in 2 different samples in Manitoba.
Samples from several snow geese were collected in southeastern Manitoba near Waskada and a single sample from a bald eagle was collected in the Dauphin area. A sample from each location was tested positive. For highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1. To date, no cases of avian influenza have been detected in poultry flocks in Manitoba.
Cases of HPAI H5N1 have been confirmed in a Canadian province and the United States. Including jurisdictions immediately south of Manitoba in North Dakota and Minnesota along the route for spring migratory birds returning to Manitoba.
The risk of avian influenza to human health is low. There are no known cases transmission of this strain of the virus from birds to humans in North America.
This strain of avian influenza does not pose a food safety risk. Manitoba poultry and eggs are safe to eat. When proper handling and cooking take place. Regular food safety and hygiene precautions should be followed when preparing wild game. Hunters should avoid eating birds that are visibly ill.
Although the risk of transmission is low of avian influenza to humans is low, people should not touch the birds or wildlife with their bare hands. Protective eyewear and masks are recommended as an additional precaution. Hands should be thoroughly washed before and after with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If a dead bird has to be handled, gloves should be worn, and the dead bird placed in a bag.