By Jaymie White
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
— with files from Rosalyn Roy
PORT AUX BASQUES — Last Thursday morning, Sept. 8, a large eagle was spotted perched on a rock for several hours in the area of Currie Avenue in East End Channel, near Shark Cove Suites. The eagle was picked up by wildlife officials, and it was discovered to be in poor health.
In response to email inquiries, the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture issued the following statement.
“The Bald Eagle captured this afternoon in the Port Aux Basques area exhibited signs of illness consistent with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). According to current protocols related to suspected HPAI-infected birds, the bird must be euthanized.”
The province urges caution when spotting a bird that appears unwell, and to contact the department to report sightings.
“Suspected cases of HPAI have continued to be under active investigation by provincial and federal authorities. The public are advised not to handle bird carcasses and to ensure that pets also do not come in contact with wild birds. To report observations of dead or dying birds, residents may contact the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s Wildlife Emergency Response line at 709-685-7273.”