News - CBC News: 36 ducks in the Maritimes test positive for avian flu virus

Thirty-six wild migratory ducks in the Maritimes have tested positive for an avian flu virus, but researchers say the finding does not indicate a threat to human health.

Researchers made the discovery after testing 710 wild migratory ducks. Thirty-five were found to be carrying H5 viruses and one carried the H7 virus.

Many of the ducks were found in the Tantramar marshes near the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick border.

Health officials say it is unlikely the viruses are the same as the deadly H5N1 strain found among birds in Southeast Asia. That strain has been blamed for at least 68 human deaths.

Jim Goltz, manager of New Brunswick's veterinary lab, said the risk to humans is low to non-existent.

CBC News: 36 ducks in the Maritimes test positive for avian flu virus