New Brunswick has detected a positive case of the avian flu in a bird in the Riverview area.
Through a news release issued Wednesday, the province announced the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative confirmed a greater black-backed gull had tested positive for the highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly referred to as H5N1.
There are several types of the viral infection, which can spread easily and quickly among birds. Though some wild bird species can carry and transmit the virus without getting sick, other wild or domestic birds could become severely ill and die if infected.
Cases of this strain have already been detected in all other Atlantic Canadian provinces.
The release adds though people have an extremely low risk of getting sick, they should remain cautious.
Those who work around birds are advised to take extra care, and people should not handle wild birds regardless of whether they are dead or alive.
Should you discover a sick or dead bird, contact the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development at 1-833-301-0334.
