• FluTrackers.com Inc. does not provide medical advice. Information on this web site is collected from various internet resources, and the FluTrackers board of directors makes no warranty to the safety, efficacy, correctness or completeness of the information posted on this site by any author or poster. The information collated here is for instructional and/or discussion purposes only and is NOT intended to diagnose or treat any disease, illness, or other medical condition. Every individual reader or poster should seek advice from their personal physician/healthcare practitioner before considering or using any interventions that are discussed on this website. By continuing to access this website you agree to consult your personal physican before using any interventions posted on this website, and you agree to hold harmless FluTrackers.com Inc., the board of directors, the members, and all authors and posters for any effects from use of any medication, supplement, vitamin or other substance, device, intervention, etc. mentioned in posts on this website, or other internet venues referenced in posts on this website.
  • We are not asking for any donations. Do not donate to any entity who says they are raising funds for us.

NWT, Canada: 2024-2025 Bird Flu in wild birds

Shiloh

Shiloh

Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/newsroom/bird-flu-confirmed-nwt

Bird flu confirmed in the NWT
Public Service Announcement

Fort Smith — November 28, 2024

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...

​
 
Public Notice: NTHSSA Shares Information Following Notice of Confirmed Avian Influenza in the NWT

​ Public Notice


(Yellowknife, November 29, 2024) – Following notice issued about a confirmed case in a bird of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or Avian flu in the Northwest Territories (NWT) the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) wants to share information about how and when to access health services if you think you may have been exposed to an infected animal.

What is avian influenza and how is it spread?

Avian influenza is an infection that has been found in some populations of wild birds and other animals as well as in outbreaks among farmed poultry or cattle.

Human infections are very rare and are almost always associated with handling of infected poultry or livestock without appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), mostly in farm-related outbreaks. In humans, illness can be mild but also has a high risk of progressing to severe illness, even in otherwise healthy people. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare.

Symptoms of avian influenza in humans:

If you have been exposed to a dead or sick bird in the past 10 days and develop any respiratory symptoms, or are in the future, please contact your healthcare provider. If people do become ill from avian influenza, the symptoms can be similar to seasonal influenza, including any of the following symptoms:
  • Fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, pink eye, muscle aches, or fatigue.
Less common symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or seizures. Symptoms usually show up within a week after exposure and can progress quickly.

Early treatment, ideally within the first 48 hours after even mild symptoms begin, is very important in reducing the chance of severe illness. However, if you have any symptoms, it is never too late to seek care.

To protect yourself, residents are urged to do the following:
  • Avoid handling sick or dead birds or infected livestock. If you see any sick or dead wildlife, report it to your local ECC Regional Office or email WildlifeVeterinarian@gov.nt.ca.
  • If you've handled a sick wild bird: Monitor your health closely for symptoms and contact your local health clinic or 811 for advice. If you develop any symptoms, even mild ones, within 10 days of exposure, seek treatment quickly, ideally within 48 hours, to reduce the risk of severe illness.
  • If you feel unwell and have been around sick birds or animals with known or suspected avian influenza: Contact your local health centre for assessment or call 811. It is important to advise your health care provider or 811 of your animal exposure.
  • Don’t let pets play with dead birds: Health Canada advises keeping cats and dogs away from dead birds to reduce the risk of infection.
For more information about avian influenza, visit www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/en/services/wildlife-diseases.

For more information about accessing health services in your region, please visit Regional Portals | Health and Social Services Authority.
​
https://www.nthssa.ca/en/newsroom/p...ollowing-notice-confirmed-avian-influenza-nwt
 
public_service_announcement_term.jpg

Service_Banner_Top_Slice_GNWT.png


Avian influenza confirmed in two birds in the NWT – what you need to know


Public Service Announcement

Yellowknife — June 6, 2025

The Department of Environment and Climate Change (ECC) has confirmed two cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), otherwise known as bird flu, in a raven and a ring-billed gull in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories . ECC will continue to conduct additional testing on any potential cases of HPAI should they occur. There have been 9 confirmed cases of HPAI in birds in the Northwest Territories since 2022.

Testing identified the H5 strain, consistent with HPAI, 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 when handling birds.

Safety Guidelines for the Public
  • Don’t handle 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 as soon as possible. Provide details such as the date, time, location, and a brief description.
  • If you are experiencing any respiratory or flu-like 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 or call 811 immediately for assessment and advise them of your bird exposure. 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, like the outdoors.
  • Disinfect equipment, surfaces, and clothing afterward.
  • Cook meat to an internal temperature of at least 165 °F (74 °C).
Learn More
For media requests, please contact:

Communications and Public Affairs
Environment and Climate Change
Government of the Northwest Territories
ecc_communications@gov.nt.ca

Communications
Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
HSSmedia@gov.nt.ca
​

https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/newsroom/avian-influenza-confirmed-two-birds-nwt-what-you-need-know
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top