Memorial University in St. John’s has recently increased the number of signs on its campus, urging individuals to refrain from feeding birds in order to prevent the spread of avian influenza. Among the locations with these signs is Burton’s Pond, where eager ducks often approach anyone who appears to have food. Despite the friendly duck interactions, bird expert and retired MUN professor Bill Montevecchi advises against feeding them. According to Montevecchi, feeding ducks can lead to the rapid spread of viruses among the animals if one of them is sick, emphasizing the importance of not congregating animals together.
During a visit to the pond, Montevecchi observed two deceased ducks floating in the water, noting that determining the cause of death without a proper examination is challenging, but ruling out freezing or starvation as likely causes. Avian influenza, specifically the H5N1 strain, can affect various bird species beyond ducks, including pigeons and seabirds.
In November 2021, Environment and Climate Change Canada confirmed the presence of the virus in Newfoundland and Labrador after a black-backed gull at Mundy Pond tested positive for it. The H5N1 virus, known for its severity in chickens, has been circulating globally and remains a concern in the region.
Montevecchi, who has conducted research on gannets at Cape St. Mary’s, where the virus was initially detected in 2022, warns about the risks associated with feeding birds. He recounted the rapid spread of the virus among gannets following its initial appearance, highlighting the potential dangers of human transmission from infected birds. Although rare, there have been instances of H5N1 strains infecting humans, primarily those in close contact with infected birds.
Researchers at Memorial University, in collaboration with the provincial government and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, are currently examining hundreds of carcasses of fur-bearing animals collected from trappers to test for avian influenza. Despite ongoing research efforts, no conclusive results have been reported as of January.
By refraining from feeding birds and supporting ongoing research initiatives, individuals can contribute to mitigating the spread of avian influenza within the bird population and safeguarding public health.