Whitehorse Daily Star

Avian influenza swoops into territory

Two cases of avian influenza have been discovered in the carcasses of waterfowl in the territory, the Yukon government announced Friday.

By Whitehorse Star on May 30, 2022

Two cases of avian influenza have been discovered in the carcasses of waterfowl in the territory, the Yukon government announced Friday.

Environment Yukon has advised the Star that no one will be available for an interview on the situation until later this week.

The government – which says this development was not unexpected, given outbreaks elsewhere in Canada – released this statement from Kristenn Magnusson, its program veterinarian.

“The Government of Yukon’s Animal Health Unit, along with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service, have confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 virus in wild birds in the Yukon.

“Two wild waterfowl carcasses submitted from southern Yukon have tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

“There is currently an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza occurring across Canada. A strain of avian influenza is given the designation of ‘highly pathogenic’ when it causes severe illness and a high death rate in birds.

“Migratory wild birds are carrying the virus. Spring migration is ongoing and further detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in the Yukon are likely,” Magnusson said.

“This is something the Government of Yukon takes seriously. Animal Health Unit veterinarians actively tracks diseases in the Yukon when they appear or are transmitted to monitor and safeguard the health of Yukon wildlife and domestic animals.

“We encourage the public to report sightings of sick or dead wild birds for testing and to remove the carcass from the environment. Reports can be made to the TIPP line at 1-800-661-0525 or https://Yukon.ca/TIPP.

“Livestock farmers and Yukoners who own domestic birds need to protect their birds from this virus,” the veterinarian added.

“Avian influenza causes severe illness and death in domestic birds. This includes backyard hens and pet poultry, as well as commercial poultry farms. Pigs can also get influenza viruses and need to be housed separately from poultry,” the statement said.

“If you own birds, provide the Government of Yukon’s agriculture branch with your contact information to receive important updates and information. Call 867-667-5838 or toll free 1-800-661-0408 (ask to be transferred) or email agriculture-livestock@yukon.ca.

“If you own birds, provide the Government of Yukon’s agriculture branch with your contact information so that you receive important updates and information,” Magnusson advised. “Email agriculture-livestock@yukon.ca.

“If Avian influenza affects a domestic flock in the Yukon, the Yukon government will provide a joint response with the Canadian Food and Inspection Agency. We will help Yukon bird producers contain the virus and, under quarantine order, compensation is available for birds that are destroyed due to the virus,” she said.

“It is possible for mammals (cats, dogs and pigs, etc.) and humans to be infected with Avian influenza but infections are rare.

“Yukoners should keep pets away from bird carcasses, and consider keeping their pets indoors or on leash in areas birds frequent.

“Exposure to Avian influenza does not always result in illness. Contact your local veterinarian with any concerns about your domestic pets,” the veterinarian added.

“Human cases of this strain of Avian influenza are very uncommon.

“Human illness tends to be caused by close contact with infected live or dead poultry.

“While the risk of human infection with avian influenza viruses is low, individuals should be cautious when handling sick or dead birds.”

Bird owners can find out how to protect their flock from bird flu – from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (canada.ca).

“If you become ill after handling birds, see your doctor or call Yukon Communicable Disease Control (YCDC) at 867-667-8323,” Magnusson said.

Those with concerns or questions can contact Yukon Communicable Disease Control.

The food inspection agency has provided more information on pets and the highly pathogenic strain H5N1 Avian influenza.

Comments (7)

Up 4 Down 8

Mitch Holder on Jun 1, 2022 at 11:25 am

Bonanaza Joe - if I had half the sense of humour you did sir, I would be enjoying this summer, instead of worried about my own and my countries future next winter. Someone buy this guy a DQ Blizzard, he keeps it honest and funny, I should remember myself and do the same.

Up 4 Down 5

bonanzajoe on May 31, 2022 at 8:54 pm

Dave on May 31: Now I hope it flies back out this October.

Up 5 Down 5

bonanzajoe on May 31, 2022 at 8:53 pm

Wilf Carter on May 31: Do I got your vote you old Sourdough you?

Up 7 Down 3

Dave on May 31, 2022 at 12:30 pm

It was just a matter of time before the Asian flu landed here.

Up 10 Down 5

Wilf Carter on May 31, 2022 at 12:17 pm

Wow bonanzajoe when are you running to be premier for Yukon?

Up 14 Down 16

Mitch Holder on May 31, 2022 at 10:08 am

The federal government should consider why Canada has more diseases now than a two-bit whore and put a stop to that. 50,000 illegals enter a year, we don't know their medical histories, you would find it easier to find my medical history than theirs. What would you wager that if entry into this country were better controlled, we wouldn't be dealing with half the outbreaks we have in Canada right now, some of which doctors cannot even identify, such as the neurological disorder in New Brunswick.

How about we keep the government leashed indoors and away from wildlife? Would you like that folks? Stop being federally subsidized failures.

Up 22 Down 15

bonanzajoe on May 30, 2022 at 8:35 pm

Ok, all cats, dogs and pigs, etc. need to be masked, follow the 6 feet distance rule and all those infected quarantine for 6 weeks. Oh and Pfizer and Moderna should have a vaccine available at warp speed. Any bird that refuses the jab will not be allowed to fly south this fall. For more information please phone the Yukon Lieberal Party for more instructions.

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