Niverville Avian Flu Outbreak: Dozens of Geese Die From Bird Flu
A resident of Niverville reports growing unease after observing approximately 40 dead geese frozen in a pond behind her home, all found to be infected with avian influenza. Megan McGregor, 34, recalls sensing something was off as she watched the birds struggle in the ice.
For about six weeks, the geese nearby exhibited abnormal behavior—some couldn’t stand, others were abandoned by their flock. On December 5, Manitoba Conservation officers removed and “ chipped” the birds from the ice. “It was really traumatizing because I kept asking myself, is this normal?” McGregor shared.
Niverville’s town administration issued a November 13 statement informing residents that the Manitoba Conservation branch had detected avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in geese. The guidance was clear: avoid approaching any sick or dead birds.
Dr. Hannah Wallace, a virus researcher at the University of Manitoba’s Kindrachuk Lab, wasn’t surprised by the news. The current strain, H5N1, first appeared in Canada in 2021 and has caused die-offs among wild and farmed birds. She notes that spikes in cases often occur during bird migration seasons in autumn and spring. The recent illnesses in geese, ducks, and other waterfowl are unusual in that these species typically harbor the virus without severe effects.
Management of the virus relies on removing and disposing of dead infected birds since there is no vaccine available for wild birds. “Birds fly and migrate freely, crossing borders without regard to human-imposed boundaries,” Wallace explains, highlighting the limited measures available for wild populations.
Common symptoms of avian influenza can include repetitive behaviors and birds congregating in inappropriate places. Although human infections have occurred, they remain uncommon, usually linked to prolonged exposure in poultry settings. Wallace advises avoiding contact with infected or dead birds altogether. Pets are at higher risk if they handle or ingest infected birds.
To reduce risk, she recommends keeping pets away from carcasses and refraining from touching dead birds.
A provincial spokesperson acknowledged the bird deaths in the Niverville area and emphasized that wild birds—geese, ducks, and shorebirds—are known vectors during spring and fall migrations when new cases are typically detected. Manitoba’s natural resources and Indigenous futures department reported testing 726 birds this year, with 54 testing positive. Officials did not disclose the number of infected birds found dead or whether culling has begun.
The federal Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s avian influenza response focuses on domestic or farmed birds, but it coordinates with other federal and provincial bodies for wild bird surveillance. The CFIA noted that once avian influenza is detected, participating laboratories must report positive results to the CFIA to rapidly assess and integrate findings into Canada’s national disease monitoring system.
While exact counts of wild animal infections aren’t available, the CFIA noted that the virus previously affected about 77,000 birds in three commercial poultry facilities in the RM of Hanover in October.
Niverville Mayor Myron Dyck advised residents who find sick or dead birds on private property to contact Manitoba Conservation for monitoring and safe removal. He added that community concerns about lingering geese in local ponds are being addressed by the Conservation branch. People can report sick or dead birds by calling the province’s tip line at 1-800-782-0076.
