The first suspected case was found in geese that died in southwestern Manitoba, while the second was a bald eagle in the Dauphin area that was observed with neurological signs and underwent human euthanasia, according to an update from the Department of Agriculture on Thursday. The φύle des Chênes Wildlife Refuge Rehabilitation Center said on social media that the bald eagle was in its care earlier this week. Specimens from the suspected birds have been collected and are now being tested. Update is expected in the coming days. The risk of avian influenza to human health is low and there are no known cases of transmission of this strain of the virus, called H5N1, from birds to humans in North America, the province said in a press release. Manitobans are asked to contact the province at 1-800-782-0076 if they find clusters of dead waterfowl, crows, crows, gulls or any large group of dead birds and do not touch them. The province also advises poultry farmers to keep their birds indoors during wild bird migration. Avian flu cases have been confirmed in several other states, including North Dakota and Minnesota, in recent weeks.
