can canadian geese get bird flu

ELISA and Hemagglutination-Inhibition (HI) Assays

Nucleoprotein (NP) antibodies specific to group A were found using a competitive ELISA, as previously mentioned (9) By using chicken erythrocytes and 4 HA U of A/duck/British Columbia/266/2005 (H5N2), the microtiter plate HI test was able to identify H5-specific antibodies.

We used 200 EID50 of Vietnam/05 to inoculate 9-day-old chicken embryos through the allantoic cavity after incubating them for 60 minutes at 37°C with an equal volume of 2-fold serially diluted test serum (1:4 to 1:512). Viral neutralization titers were calculated, egg deaths and HA titers were tracked, and

High Rate of H5N1 in Domestic Poultry Flocks

Since the outbreak began, avian flu has been found in commercial and backyard flocks in 47 states and has affected 58,200,536 birds according to the CDC.

H5N1 is categorized as a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which means that it has a high mortality rate in chickens, approximately 10% of the population.

Farmers all throughout the nation are struggling to keep their flocks safe without losing money. Some farms have been forced to cull entire flocks in an attempt to stop the disease’s spread when illness has only been found in a small percentage of the birds.

Some of the worst impacts have been felt in the Midwest: Iowa, Ohio and Indiana are the top three egg producing states in the country and Minnesota is the top turkey producing state. Those states have seen some of the highest rates of infection; in Minnesota alone over 4 million birds have been affected.

Wild Birds Impacted Across Every State

While three states (West Virginia, Louisiana and Hawaii) have been lucky not to experience domestic flock cases, the CDC has confirmed the presence of bird flu in wild birds in all 50 states.

USDA officials confirmed that wild birds are the source of 85% of current cases in domestic flocks.

Since the onset of the outbreak, an estimated 6,111 wild birds have been infected. Birds of prey, like eagles, owls and vultures seem to be particularly hard hit.

Avian flu cases make up a sizable portion of the birds that many wildlife rehabilitation centers receive. Most birds are admitted with neurological symptoms and few recover.

Some rehabilitation facilities no longer accept waterfowl (like geese, ducks and swans) who can carry the disease but often appear asymptomatic.

FAQ

Does bird flu affect geese?

Wild birds that carry bird flu viruses include migratory waterbirds, like ducks, geese and swans, and shorebirds, like storks. Bird flu viruses can easily spread from wild birds to domestic poultry, like chickens, turkeys, geese, and pheasants.

What birds can you get bird flu from?

Waterfowl, such as swans, ducks, and geese, are the type of birds that are most likely to be infected with avian influenza. Although wild backyard birds and pigeons are unlikely to be infected with avian influenza, it is always best to minimize contact with fecal material.

What is the virus in the Canadian geese?

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, has been confirmed in deceased Canada geese found in Belleville. Avian Influenza usually spreads among wild bird populations, but can sometimes affect commercial poultry or other animals such as dogs when they come into contact with infected animals.

Is bird flu fatal to all birds?

Avian influenza, or bird flu, is a respiratory disease of birds caused by influenza A viruses. Wild birds, such as ducks, gulls, and shorebirds, can carry and spread these viruses but may show no signs of illness. However, avian influenza can kill domestic poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese).