Province warns of avian flu risk as temperatures rise in Saskatchewan – CTV

April 27, 2025

Spring is bringing many things to Saskatchewan – warmer weather, construction, but also the threat of avian flu as migratory birds return to the province.

Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Environment is reminding the public to be on the lookout for the signs of avian flu – also known as “bird flu.”

According to the province, infection is common among Saskatchewan’s wild bird population – with the poultry industry being hit especially hard in 2022.

“In recent years, with this novel strain, it’s actually causing more significant mortality in wild bird populations and domestic poultry than other strains,” wildlife health specialist Iga Stasiak explained.

“We certainly want members of the public to keep an eye out for any signs of sick or dead birds.”

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, there have been 46 infected premises in Saskatchewan – impacting a total of 751,000 birds. However, there are no current outbreaks in the province.

In a post to social media, Salthaven West Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre says it is receiving several calls daily about avian flu in snow and Canadian geese in Regina and across southern Saskatchewan.

Read more: https://www.ctvnews.ca/regina/article/province-warns-of-avian-flu-risk-as-temperatures-rise-in-saskatchewan/