The department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) has confirmed one case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), otherwise known as bird flu, in a raven in the Northwest Territories (NWT), with one additional suspected case.
Testing identified the H5N1 strain, which is highly infectious among birds. There is no sign of an outbreak, and risk to other birds remains low. While the transmission of bird flu to humans is rare and relatively mild in nature, the NWT Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Kami Kandola, advises residents to remain cautious.
Safety Guidelines for the Public
Avoid handling wild birds that are found dead or live birds acting strangely. Don’t touch surfaces that could be contaminated.
Report sightings of sick, injured, or dead wildlife to your ECC Regional Office or email the ECC Wildlife Health Program at WildlifeVeterinarian@gov.nt.ca. Provide details such as the date, time, location, and a brief description.
If you are experiencing any respiratory symptoms, and have been recently (within 10 days) in contact with wild birds or domestic birds showing signs of illness, reach out to your local health centre immediately for assessment and advise them of your bird exposure. There are currently no vaccines for bird flu but there are antiviral drugs that can be used for treatment as soon as symptoms develop. Seasonal influenza vaccines do not offer protection against influenza A(H5N1).
Tips for Safe Handling of Birds
If you hunt wild birds:
Wear gloves and wash hands frequently while dressing them.
Process birds in a well-ventilated area.
Disinfect equipment, surfaces, and clothing afterward.
Cook meat to an internal temperature of at least 165 °F (74 °C).
Symptoms of Avian Influenza in Wild Birds
Unusual behavior, such as tremors or lack of coordination.