Bird flu found in Alberta skunks for first time: experts
Alberta is the latest Canadian province to have found avian influenza, or bird flu, in another species.
Cases of bird flu have been confirmed in skunks in the Vegreville-Wainwright-Lloydminster area in east-central Alberta, according to the province's wildlife disease specialist.
"[Avian influenza] was brought into the province in early April in migrating waterfowl, primarily the geese. As a number of geese died, we started getting reports about a number of dead skunks," Dr. Margo Pybus told CTV News Edmonton.
The skunks tested negative for rabies and positive for bird flu.
They are the only other species so far that Alberta has confirmed had avian influenza, although lab tests are pending for some young foxes, as well.
Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan have all confirmed avian flu cases in foxes, according to Pybus' sources.
Dead skunks found in east-central Alberta tested positive for avian influenza. (Source: Dr. Margo Pybus).
She called the recent virus strain – which first showed up in Atlantic Canada in late 2021 – "hotter than usual."
"This is the first time we've seen mortality in wild birds, and it's also the first time we've seen mortality in mammals that are eating the wild birds."
HEAD TILT, SPINNING ARE OBVIOUS SIGNS
Some affected wild birds have turned up at the Strathcona Raptor Shelter, which is run by the Alberta Society for Injured Birds of Prey east of Edmonton.
Roseanna Gullekson, assistant director of the shelter, said it had never been brought a bird flu case before this year.
But since mid-April, the shelter has received seven birds which all displayed the same disconcerting signs of avian influenza: balance issues, spinning, and – the "dead giveaway" – a tilted head.
"The tricky thing is we can't test them until they're dead to confirm whether or not it's bird flu," Gullekson said.
"Anything that comes in with [central nervous system] issues comes in with a story. The red tail hawk that came in first was hit by two cars. So, right off the bat, you know, maybe that's what's causing the head tilt or the balance issues – concussion, right? It's not strange for that. But the spinning in circles is."
On Wednesday, she was caring for a mature bald eagle that was believed to be sick with bird flu. A vet found no signs of trauma. However, its head was almost constantly swivelled, sometimes completely upside down.
There is little recourse if it does have bird flu, so the shelter is keeping him in an animal crate with the hope that the forced rest enables him to recover.
"It's hard to know whether it feels safe, you know," Gullekson said before shrugging. "No predators are going to eat him, free food, breakfast in bed, basically. It could be worse."
The eagle, unlike all of the other probable avian influenza cases the shelter has taken in, had been showing signs of improvement. The mortality rate for avian influenza in raptors is 95 per cent.
"It's pretty bad," Gullekson said.
OUTBREAK BELIEVED TO BE ON DECLINE
Since April 3, Alberta has found 86 probable cases of avian influenza. Most cases have been found in Canadian geese, red-tailed hawks, and great horned owls.
The most severe kind of avian influenza can only be confirmed by the national lab. As of Thursday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency was tracking 28 "infected premises" in Alberta where either commercial or small flocks (both poultry and other kinds of birds) were sick with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
While some strains have the potential to be passed to humans, the Alberta government says there is very low risk to human health and food safety.
Alberta's outbreak is also believed to be on the decline.
"In other places that have already had their outbreaks, when the geese moved off, then the avian influenza seemed to disappear," Pybus told CTV News Edmonton. "Certainly the numbers of dead birds and dead skunks in Alberta has tailed off a little bit in just the last seven to 10 days, so we're thinking that it is on the downward side."
But, she noted, since this is a new version of avian influenza, it's not known what will happen in the fall, when outbreaks are atypical.
"Mother Nature's going to tell us what's going to happen."
While there is low risk to humans, anyone who is handling a dead bird is advised to wear gloves, if handling the animal is unavoidable.
Both Pybus and Gullekson said cleaning up infected carcasses to prevent other animals from eating them is the best course of action.
Agriculture producers are advised to be aware of the early clinical signs, and prevent contact between wild animals and domestic flocks.
More information is available online:
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.