One case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, has been confirmed by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) in a herring gull in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. The transmission risk to humans remains very low. The GNWT continues  to monitor for HPAI incidents in birds and other wildlife across the territory. There have been 16 confirmed cases of HPAI in birds in the Northwest Territories since 2022.

Testing identified the H5N1 strain, consistent with HPAI, which is highly infectious among birds. 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 wild birds that are found dead or appear sick.

Safety Guidelines for the Public:

• Don’t handle wild birds that are found dead and stay away from live birds that are acting strangely. Don’t touch surfaces that could be contaminated by sick birds.
• 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). However, they may reduce the risk of seasonal human and influenza A(H5N1) virus co-infection and possible viral reassortment leading to a human-transmissible virus with pandemic potential.

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 more information about Avian Influenza, visit: Avian Influenza – What You Need to Know.
• For questions about wild birds in the NWT, contact the Canadian Wildlife Service at cwsnorth-scfnord@ec.gc.ca .

For media requests, please contact:

ECC Communications

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