Two cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or bird flu, have been detected in a pair of Yellowknife ravens, the territorial government says.
In a Wednesday press release, the Department of Environment and Climate Change said the H5 strain of avian influenza – which has previously been found in Yellowknife – was detected in the birds.
“These appear to be isolated cases, and the risk to birds and other wildlife remains low,” the department stated.
The disease was detected as part ongoing monitoring of bird flu in NWT wildlife, the department said.
The transmission of bird flu to humans is “rare and relatively mild in nature,” the release states, but NWT Chief Public Health Officer Dr Kami Kandola, advises residents to remain cautious when handling birds.
Advertisement.
Advertisement.
There have been 11 confirmed cases of bird flu in the NWT since 2022, with no human cases reported, the department said.
The territorial government cautioned people against touching surfaces that could be contaminated by sick birds, any birds found dead or any “live birds acting strangely.”
Anyone who hunts wild birds, the department said, should wear gloves and wash their hands frequently while dressing birds; process birds in a well-ventilated area such as outdoors; disinfect equipment, surfaces, and clothing; and cook meat to an internal temperature of at least 74 C.
Any sightings of any sick, injured or dead wildlife can be reported to the department’s regional offices.
The department said anyone who has come into contact with wild or domestic birds that has developed respiratory or flu-like symptoms within 10 days should reach out to their local health centre or call 811 for assessment.
Related Articles