The Quebec Wildlife Ministry announced that since May 24th, hundreds of gannets have died on the Magdalen Islands in Quebec as a result of H5N1 infection.  Currently, dead birds are collected for disposal, a task that is complicated by the terrain and logistic restraints.

There is growing concern both in Europe and in North America that the H5N1 strain is becoming endemic in wildlife, including a wide range of bird species. Isolation of the strain from skunks and foxes, indicates susceptibility of mammals that may become reservoir hosts maintaining and disseminating H5N1.

Reports of outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in backyard flocks continue with the most recent case in Toombs County, GA.  Since this was not a commercial farm although comprising 400 birds including passerine, anseriform and galliform species, the event should not impact exports.  Producers should maintain strict biosecurity to prevent exposure, since the virus is obviously present in the East-central part of the state. The press report indicated that the buzzards in the vicinity of the affected farm are also dying, presumably from HPAI.