Another Canada Goose Die-Off Reported in Manitoba, Suspected Bird Flu
Another mass die-off of canada geese has been found in southern Manitoba, this time north of Winnipeg.
An estimated 50 dead geese were seen on Monday, lying in the snow on the frozen Red River in Lockport, about 15 kilometres north of Winnipeg.
That revelation comes after 165 goose carcasses were removed last week from retention ponds in Niverville, about 20 kilometres south of Winnipeg.Lab tests confirmed they died from the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of the avian influenza virus.
“We haven’t collected any of those carcasses [in Lockport] yet for testing, but just based on the number and the distribution, we suspect that the same disease is killing these birds,” canadian Wildlife Service biologist Frank Baldwin told CBC Manitoba Information Radio host Marcy Markusa on Tuesday.
bird flu, or avian influenza, was called “fowl plague” when it was identified in Italy in 1878 and has slowly evolved, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website says. The current dominant H5 strain, H5N1, emerged in China in 1996 and has as spread globally, affecting birds and mammals.
“So the virus is something that the birds have evolved with, but it’s a bit of an interesting situation this year, as we haven’t seen this level of mortality in geese before,” Baldwin said.
H5N1 Avian Flu concerns Rise in Manitoba and Across Canada
Updated December 9, 2025 – Concerns are growing over a recent surge in avian influenza (bird flu), specifically the H5N1 strain, affecting wild bird populations in Manitoba and across Canada. While the Public Health Agency of Canada currently assesses the risk to humans as low, officials are urging caution and reporting of sick or dead birds.
Recent reports indicate unusually high numbers of dead birds concentrated in specific areas, such as Niverville and Lockport, Manitoba. Wildlife officials are investigating the outbreak and advising the public on preventative measures.
Current Situation in Manitoba & Canada
As of December 2025, Manitoba has tested 726 dead birds this year, with 54 confirmed positive for H5N1. The concentration of deaths in localized areas is notably concerning, as it’s a pattern not previously observed in Canada. “[It’s] definitely concerning because it’s not something we’ve seen before,” stated a wildlife official. “Just the number of dead birds in one area is not something that they’ve experienced either.”
The H5N1 virus is currently circulating widely across Canada and globally. Wild birds, particularly geese, ducks, and shorebirds, are key vectors in spreading the virus during their spring and fall migrations. Geese found around the Winnipeg region originate from diverse locations, including northern and southern Manitoba and even Nunavut, according to banding data.
Impact on Bird Populations
While many avian influenza strains typically circulate without causing widespread mortality, the current H5N1 outbreak is proving more lethal. Canada has recorded only two confirmed human cases to date: one in 2014 involving a returning traveler, and a domestically acquired case in British Columbia in late 2024.
The virus is impacting a range of species, including Canada geese, coyotes, otters, foxes, ravens, crows, snowy owls, and bald eagles. While ducks appear less susceptible due to existing immunity from exposure to other avian flu viruses, the mortality rate among geese and other species is raising alarms. The full impact on Canada goose populations is still being assessed, with the latest banding data available from 2023. Officials suspect the impact may be greater in the last year or two since the virus initially appeared in 2021.
Why the Increase Now?
The current surge in mortality is linked to several factors. As colder weather sets in, birds congregate in remaining open water sources, facilitating rapid virus transmission. This concentration also increases contact between geese and ducks, which are considered the primary reservoir for the virus. Ducks possess a degree of background immunity,which likely explains the lower mortality rates observed in that species.
Precautions and Reporting
Authorities are advising the public to take the following precautions:
* Do not handle dead birds: Avoid any contact with sick or deceased birds.
* Keep pets away: Prevent pets from interacting with dead or sick birds.
* Hunters: Pluck birds in well-ventilated areas, wash hands thoroughly, and ensure meat is fully cooked.
Anyone who encounters sick or dead birds is urged to report them to the Manitoba TIP line at 1-800-782-0076.
Sources:
* Public Health Agency of canada – avian Influenza (Accessed December 9, 2025)
* Canadian Food Inspection Agency – Avian Influenza (Accessed December 9, 2025)