It is still difficult to predict if the worst is now behind with this virus. A total of 870 common eider carcasses and nearly 200 gulls have been found so far.
“Transmission between birds is very likely. Gulls are known to be scavenger birds, so they consume the carcasses of other birds. We know that animals such as urubus and even eagles have been found in southern Quebec infected with the virus, ”explains Jean-François Giroux, administrator at Duvetnor and professor of biology at the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM). .
In the coming weeks, as the birds leave the islands to feed, the risks of spread should decrease considerably, according to the biologist. However, it is not impossible that this disease can be transported to other islands and to the mainland. Recall that tests were carried out on 10 carcasses from Île Blanche, all of which were declared positive for avian influenza.
“For other animal species, it’s quite limited as a transmission because they are aquatic animals that live in colonies and that’s when the virus can spread,” adds Mr. Giroux.
This virus is not the first to decimate the population of eider ducks, whereas in 2002, these animals were struggling with the bacteria of avian cholera. Human intervention is also limited under the circumstances.
“The number of birds in a population varies a lot with epidemics. The eiders are not threatened with extinction since they are well protected, but epidemics control in the very long term and lead to a certain decline in the population. These birds are also very sensitive to viruses. They have a very strong history in this area,” says the biologist.
“We can think who will have individuals who will become more resistant, but in fact we cannot vaccinate birds as we did for COVID-19. It is a natural factor, we will have to try to understand more how the virus arrived in our wild populations, ”he ends.
Quebec challenges the population
These numerous carcasses will remain on the banks for a while yet, as no plan has been put in place to collect them, at the dawn of the summer season. Note that the authorities remind that dead wild birds should not be handled. It is recommended to notify the Ministry of Wildlife when a carcass is discovered. In this regard, Quebec wishes to inform the public about the safest way to dispose of a carcass.
“In general, wild bird carcasses can be put in a bag and thrown in the household garbage. Avoid touching carcasses with bare hands. The best way to do this is to wear gloves and use a lined plastic bag to scoop up the carcass, then throw it in the trash. The person must then wash their hands with soap and water or use a hydroalcoholic solution whose concentration is at least 60% alcohol,” reads a press release made public by the Ministry of Health. Wildlife.
Additional information on the protocol for safely disposing of a dead wild bird carcass is available at Quebec.ca.
Photo credit: Francis St-Pierre, UQAM