SUSPECTED NEWCASTLE DISEASE OUTBREAK AMONG BIRDS IN MEADOW LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK AND JACKFISH LAKE

The Ministry of Environment reports that there is a suspected outbreak of Newcastle disease in double-crested cormorants in the Meadow Lake Provincial Park and Jackfish Lake areas. As of August 12, approximately 1,000 cormorants and gulls have been found dead in these areas, with many others sick.

The disease is caused by the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV). It exists in a variety of strains and occasionally causes mortality in colony-nesting birds, specifically double-crested cormorants, pelicans and gulls. Some strains may cause fatal infections in domestic poultry. The strain of NDV in wild birds generally is not lethal in poultry. Newcastle disease occurs naturally in wild cormorants throughout their range in North America. Occasional outbreaks occur, but they appear to be short-lived and kill limited numbers of colony-nesting species.

Sick and dead cormorants and gulls were reported in early August and samples were collected for disease testing at the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre. The carcasses have lesions that are consistent with Newcastle disease. Additional testing is underway to confirm the existence of the NDV.

The disease does not pose a significant health risk for people; however, in rare cases it has been known to cause conjunctivitis (mild eye irritation with possible flu-like symptoms for up to seven days), usually in people who have come into contact with many infected birds.

Birds affected with the NDV show signs of partial paralysis of the wings and legs. Affected birds cannot fly or dive and some limp or fall over. Sick birds are often weak and unable to avoid approaching humans.

Any person who comes in contact with sick or dead cormorants or gulls, etc., should not attempt to touch or pick up the birds and should immediately report them to the nearest Ministry of Environment office. Anyone who has handled a sick or dead bird or visited a nesting colony in the affected areas should wash their hands and clothes immediately and disinfect any shoes and equipment with a five per cent bleach solution. Precautions such as these will help prevent spreading the disease to other areas of the province.

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For more information, contact:

Yeen Ten Hwang
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5079