Local news- Press Release
MD of Bonnyville AB - M . D . and Town Joint Media Release on Avian Flu 21 June 2022 ( news )
MD of Bonnyville , state AB ( By Press Release office)
Jun 21,2022
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Municipal District of Bonnyville and Town of Bonnyville Joint Press Release
CONCERNS RAISED REGARDING DECEASED WATERFOWL
BONNYVILLE
– A number of waterfowl have been found deceased or acting ill along Jessie Lake in recent days .
The appropriate officials with the Government of Alberta have been contacted concerning the waterfowl found . Specimens have been collected by Alberta Fish and Wildlife for testing . Results are expected back in the coming weeks . Symptoms that were observed were a strong indicator of Avian Influenza . The waterfowl affected are Eared Grebes , which are described as small waterbirds that are mostly black with chestnut flanks and golden plumes fanning out from behind bright red eyes or grayish black overall . If members of the public notice clusters or groups of dead waterfowl or raptors ( hawks , owls , falcons ) , corvids ( raven , magpie , crow ) or gulls , please report these to toll - free at 310 - 0000 .
As a general guideline , members of the public should avoid handling live or dead wild birds . If handling can ' t be avoided , wear disposable gloves , place a plastic bag over your hand before picking up the dead bird , or shuffle the dead bird into a box or container without touching it ( for example , use a stick to move the bird ) . Wash your hands with soap and water and disinfect any surfaces that have come into contact with dead birds using alcohol , diluted bleach , or commercial disinfectants .
Avian influenza primarily effects waterfowl ( ducks , geese , etc . ) , and can spread to domestic poultry ( turkeys , ducks , chickens ) .
The most recent outbreak of the disease was first identified in Alberta in April 2022 . While a recent update from the Province of Alberta declared the outbreak to have declined , as of June 20 , 2022 , the Avian Influenza Risk Level for poultry has been updated to Red . While head tremors and limp neck are common signs of avian influenza in sick wild birds , signs of Avian Flu in domestic birds can include:
Drop in production of eggs/soft shells/eggs without shells
High and sudden mortality rate
Quietness and extreme depression
Swelling of the skin under the eyes
Swelling/congestion of wattles and combs
For more information concerning Avian Influenza , visit:
www . alberta . ca
or
inspection . canada . ca
.
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