Saskatchewan's Wildlife on High Alert!

As cases of bird flu surge, Saskatoon’s Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation and Regina’s Salthaven West Wildlife Rehabilitation are sounding the alarm! They urge the public to exercise extreme caution when encountering sick or dead wild birds and mammals.

Bird Flu: A Rising Threat

Reports of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) have drastically increased, particularly among migrating snow geese and Canada geese returning to Saskatchewan. With both centers inundated with daily inquiries about the disease, it’s vital to stay informed.

The Impact on Wildlife

Jan Shadick, executive director of Living Sky, notes a concerning trend: more snow geese are showing signs of illness this year. "The virus thrives in water; if one bird is infected, others nearby become vulnerable," she reveals.

Predators at Risk

The repercussions of this flu aren’t limited to birds. Shadick points out that various predators, including foxes, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and even bald eagles, are falling victim by consuming infected carcasses. This alarming chain reaction endangers entire ecosystems.

Speed of the Illness

The HPAI strain, first detected in North America in late 2021, has been devastating to wildlife. Birds can become gravely ill within days, showing symptoms such as lethargy, lack of coordination, tremors, and nasal discharge.

Safety First: What To Do!

If you come across any animals displaying these distressing symptoms, do NOT approach them without proper protective gear, such as masks and gloves. Salthaven West emphasizes that while human transmission is rare, HPAI is zoonotic and can be passed from animals to humans.

Health Precautions

If you've handled a potentially infected animal, it’s crucial to wash your hands thoroughly and sanitize any surfaces involved. Should you start to feel unwell, contact the provincial health line at 811 for guidance.

Safeguarding Wildlife

Living Sky has effectively established a quarantine area to manage the care of sick animals while protecting the rest of their wildlife population. In contrast, Salthaven West refrains from accepting or transporting any animals that exhibit clinical signs of HPAI to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

How You Can Help

Should you encounter a bird or mammal that appears ill, immediately report it to the Ministry of Environment at 1-800-567-4224. Your vigilance is key to protecting both wildlife and public health.

Stay Informed!

As bird flu continues to pose a risk, staying informed and acting responsibly is crucial for the safety of both wildlife and the community.