Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

Newcastle Disease in Wild Birds

The Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) exists in a variety of strains and occasionally causes mortality in colony-nesting birds, such as double-crested cormorants, pelicans and gulls. NDV in wild birds generally is not lethal in poultry. Newcastle disease occurs naturally in wild cormorants throughout their range in North America. Occasional outbreaks occur, but they appear to be short-lived and affect limited numbers of colony-nesting species.

Birds affected with the NDV show signs of partial paralysis of the wings and legs. Affected birds cannot fly or dive and some limp or fall over.

The disease does not pose a health risk for people; however, in rare cases it has been known to cause conjunctivitis (mild eye irritation with possible flu-like symptoms for up to seven days), usually in people who have come into contact with many infected birds.

If you come in contact with sick or dead cormorants or gulls, etc., avoid handling the birds, but please report them to the nearest Ministry of Environment office.

Anyone who has handled a sick or dead bird or visited a nesting colony in the affected areas should wash their hands and clothes immediately and disinfect shoes and equipment with a five per cent bleach solution. Precautions such as these will help prevent spreading the disease to other areas of the province.

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve