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Alberta West Nile virus wild bird surveillance

Description

However, since dead bird surveillance was initiated in Alberta, a great deal has been learned on WNv activity. We now know that suitable conditions for WNv are limited largely to the Grassland... More ≫

Description

However, since dead bird surveillance was initiated in Alberta, a great deal has been learned on WNv activity. We now know that suitable conditions for WNv are limited largely to the Grassland Natural Region of southeastern Alberta where conditions are most favourable for development of Culex tarsalis. In addition, the number of dead corvids each summer has declined significantly since WNv first appeared, although the populations of crows and magpies did not decline. It is likely that crows and magpies, as well as all the other birds species exposed to WNv, adapted to the presence of WNv in the ecosystem and developed protective immunity. The monitoring of dead birds was discontinued in 2007 because it no longer provided new information about WNv; however testing is conducted on suspect cases as a response to public concern.

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An improved magpie trap

Description

It seems a paradox that one of the most clever and most beautiful members of the bird family Corvidae (also includes jays, crows and ravens) could also be a serious pest. Unfortunately, the... More ≫

Description

It seems a paradox that one of the most clever and most beautiful members of the bird family Corvidae (also includes jays, crows and ravens) could also be a serious pest. Unfortunately, the magpies’ carnivorous habit presents a problem when it preys on beneficial wildlife, inflicts injury on young livestock and spreads livestock disease. Ultimately, there may be a need for some type of control. The beneficial aspects of the magpie must also be considered when control programs are designed and employed. The role of magpies as scavengers and consumers of insects is well documented by several studies, and these beneficial aspects must always be taken into account.

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West Nile virus in Alberta : what happened in 2004??

Description

The story of West Nile virus in North America is a very recent one. The virus arrived in New York in 1999 and established populations in migratory birds on the Atlantic Flyway. it then... More ≫

Description

The story of West Nile virus in North America is a very recent one. The virus arrived in New York in 1999 and established populations in migratory birds on the Atlantic Flyway. it then systematically increased its population and spread to birds on the other primary migration pathways, moving steadily westward to the Mississippi, Central and by 2004, the Pacific Flyway. The virus infects birds of many species without causing visible illness, but cases fatal infections in Corvidae (crows, jays and their relatives). It can occasionally spill over and infect horses and humans, and can cause rare fatal results.

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Avian salmonellosis (salmonella spp) in Alberta

Description

Provides information on the occurrence and prevalence of avian salmonellosis in Alberta. Includes information on its significance, transmission cycle, distribution, importance for wildlife... More ≫

Description

Provides information on the occurrence and prevalence of avian salmonellosis in Alberta. Includes information on its significance, transmission cycle, distribution, importance for wildlife management, public significance, and prevention and control measures that can be taken. One in a series of fact sheets on common parasites and diseases of fishes and wildlife in Alberta.

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Aerial reconnaissance surveys for piping plover habitat in east-central Alberta, May 2001

Description

The piping plover is designated as an Endangered species in Alberta and across Canada. Every five years since 1991, a continent-wide survey for piping plovers has been conducted. In May 2001,... More ≫

Description

The piping plover is designated as an Endangered species in Alberta and across Canada. Every five years since 1991, a continent-wide survey for piping plovers has been conducted. In May 2001, aerial reconnaissance was conducted over much of the core breeding range in east-central Alberta. The objectives were to identify waterbodies that have not been previously surveyed, but which contain areas of suitable habitat that could be surveyed in 2001, and to visit a number of lakes scheduled to be surveyed in order to identify areas of suitable habitat and to minimize or eliminate census effort in areas with unsuitable breeding habitat. Overall, the surveys identified 11 previously surveyed lakes that had no potential to piping plovers in 2001, and 22 new lakes with at least moderate potential to support birds during the breeding season. Aerial reconnaissance appears to be an effective way to identify lakes that may be occupied by piping plovers.

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Trichomoniasis in birds

Description

The protozoan Trichomonas gallinae is a cosmopolitan parasite of pigeons and doves. Other birds such as domestic and wild turkeys, chickens, raptors (hawks, golden eagle, etc.) may also become... More ≫

Description

The protozoan Trichomonas gallinae is a cosmopolitan parasite of pigeons and doves. Other birds such as domestic and wild turkeys, chickens, raptors (hawks, golden eagle, etc.) may also become infected. The disease in pigeons is commonly called "canker". A similar condition in falcons is called "frounce."

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