West Nile Virus & Wildlife
West Nile virus (WNv) lives in a wide range of bird species, and occasionally in some mammals including horses and humans.
Wildlife generally are not affected by the virus and infection is not a cause for concern. However, the potential for West
Nile virus to infect humans led the province of Alberta to establish a provincial West Nile virus response team prior to
arrival of the virus in the province.
The ongoing team includes representatives from provincial departments associated with health, agriculture, wildlife, and
municipal affairs. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD) is responsible for implementing programs associated with
wildlife.
For more information about West Nile virus in Alberta, see:
West Nile virus individual bird surveillance discontinued in Alberta
In 2007, the provincial West Nile virus response team determined that dead bird surveillance since 2002 had achieved the
program goals and no longer provided a significant indicator of West Nile virus presence in the province.
As such, West Nile virus surveillance of individual birds was discontinued in Alberta. Clusters of bird mortalities continue
to be investigated, with West Nile virus included as one of the potential causes of death.
Alberta West Nile Virus Bird Surveillance Reports
New Releases
Wildlife Info Bulletins
Related Information
Government of Alberta
To learn more about West Nile virus and human health, and the current status of WNv testing in Alberta, visit the Health
and Wellness website at:
For information about West Nile virus and livestock health, visit the Agriculture and Rural Development website at:
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Updated: December 2, 2009