A bird sent to the Atlantic Wildlife Institute for treatment has died of Avian Flu.
The Institute says a Red Breasted Merganser was found in Shediac in late February.
It says the bird was placed into quarantine, but died a short time later. A social media post from the Institute describes the death as heartbreaking and worrisome.
Preliminary testing by the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative in PEI confirmed the bird had Avian Flu, and further testing was done at a national lab in Winnipeg.
“This bird was found right around the same time as a large die-off of Canada Geese on PEI was detected. “As the crow flies” the merganser was found just across the Northumberland Strait from the incident on the island. There have also been new cases this year in wild birds in Newfoundland and wild and domestic birds in Nova Scotia. So, the virus is still very active in our region,” The Institute stated in a social media post.
It recommends contacting the Department of Natural Resources if you see a dead or dying bird/mammal, or federal agents if you see five or more wild animals in one location, in distress.
“If you are going to retrieve (to bring to a rehab facility) use gloves, a disposable container and wash your hands, clothes and shoes afterwards, including the vehicle. Do not let your pets sniff, pick up or play with a dying or dead animal that you may come across,” the post adds.
The Institute says Avian flu has the potential of infecting mammals as well.
