Public Advisory: Dead Gulls Diagnosed 

The public is advised that dead gulls of various species found offshore have been diagnosed with avian cholera, a relatively common disease that is of minimal health risk to humans but can result in large scale die-offs in waterfowl and other bird populations. 

Infected gulls have been found at various offshore sites and reports of infected birds in the St. John�s area, particularly around Quidi Vidi Lake, are being investigated. 

Anyone seeing a sick or dead bird should contact the Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada at 709-772-5585.  People are asked not to touch the birds and to keep pets from coming into contact with them.  The risk in contact with the sick or dead birds may include a skin infection if exposure is with an open cut. 

So far, avian cholera has been confirmed in six birds.  Additional birds have been collected for examination.  Due to international concerns over avian influenza, the discovered birds were tested for this disease and no evidence was found. 

The Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada, the Atlantic Veterinary College, local private veterinarian Dr. Ron Dunphy and the Animal Health Division of the Department of Natural Resources have so far confirmed the disease in six great black-backed gulls, glaucous gulls and black-legged kittiwakes. 

Although the source of the disease has not been identified, investigations are underway to determine whether there is a link between past outbreaks and the current one.  Caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida, avian cholera has reportedly caused the deaths of thousands of common eider ducks in recent years in Nunavut and Qu�bec. 

Affected birds may be seen lying on the ground, circling in the water with their heads twisting in different directions or found dead in areas where gulls roost.  Death is usually very quick. 

Avian cholera is most likely to be spread among birds through scavenging behaviour of gulls and other birds, or possibly by feeding at contaminated sites for waterfowl.  Other birds that might become infected include other scavengers such as crows, ravens and eagles; and the various waterfowl species. 

Poultry farmers are reminded to practice appropriate biosecurity measures and to discourage gulls or other scavengers near their premises. 

For further information contact:
Dr. Hugh Whitney, provincial veterinarian, 709-729-6879 

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2007 01 30                                                        3:05 p.m.