The avian flu is widening its wrath on bird colonies in Newfoundland. The virus claimed its first victims on the west coast in May before spreading to the Avalon Peninsula and Burin Peninsula over the past few weeks.

Biologist Bill Montevecchi says dead birds are washing up along the northeast coast. Samples will be taken and sent to the university for testing.

The virus has already been confirmed in some birds tested earlier.

Reports have been coming in over the past week around Musgrave Harbour where a neighbour saw a dead gannet.

Montevecchi is not certain how widespread the virus is. It has ravaged colonies in Europe and he says there’s not much that can be done. The best weapon is information. Anyone who sees a dead bird should contact the authorities and note it on social media.

The best way for him to summarize it is that it’s the seabird version of COVID-19 and is ongoing.

The Environment Canada line to contact is 709-685-7273.