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Endangered Cranes Fall to Avian Flu
14 Jan
Summary
- Two endangered whooping cranes near Saskatoon died from avian influenza.
- This marks the first detection of the virus in the species' wild population.
- Conservation efforts have worked to increase the whooping crane population.
Two endangered whooping cranes recently discovered near Saskatoon have tested positive for avian influenza. This alarming development marks the first instance of the virus being detected within the wild population of this vulnerable species. Wildlife officials expressed significant concern upon finding the deceased birds in fields east and northwest of Saskatoon.
The whooping crane population, once decimated by over-hunting and habitat loss to just 15 birds in the 1940s, has been slowly recovering due to dedicated conservation initiatives. Currently, approximately 560 wild whooping cranes belong to the Aransas-Wood Buffalo population, which migrates between Texas and Canada.
Experts believe the cranes likely contracted the virus from other wild birds, such as geese, with whom they share habitats. Avian influenza is a severe viral infection that attacks an infected bird's tissues, leading to neurological damage and death. The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative urges the public to report any sick or dead birds and avoid direct contact.
