The Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) has confirmed two cases of bird flu, otherwise known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, in a raven and a ring-billed gull in Yellowknife.
There is no sign of an outbreak and the risk to other birds remains low, ECC stated in a June 6 news release. The department says it will continue testing on any potential cases of bird flu should they occur.
NWT chief public health officer Dr. Kami Kandola is advising residents to be cautious when handling birds, even though the transmission of bird flu to humans is uncommon and usually causes only mild illness.
ECC asks residents to report to one of its regional offices if they see a sick or dead bird.
SA国际影视传媒淎nyone with flu-like symptoms who has recently been in contact with wild or domestic birds showing signs of illness should contact their local health centre or call 811,SA国际影视传媒� the GNWT advises.
It adds that seasonal flu shots do not protect against bird flu.
When hunting, ECC encourages residents to wear gloves and wash their hands often when dressing wild birds.
Birds should be also be processed outdoors or in well-ventilated areas and all equipment, surfaces and clothing should be disinfected after, the department advises. It also recommends to cook meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 74 C.
There have been nine confirmed cases of bird flu in the NWT since 2022, according to the GNWT.
