Fort Smith herring gull found with bird flu

Fort Smith herring gull found with bird flu

Risk to humans remains ‘very low’, N.W.T. gov’t says

One herring gull in Fort Smith has tested positive for bird flu, marking 16 confirmed cases in the territory since 2022.

While the transmission of bird flu to humans is rare and “relatively mild,” according to a news release Thursday, the N.W.T.’s chief public health officer is asking residents to handle birds with caution.

Officials suggest staying away from birds that are acting strangely, reporting sightings of sick, injured, or dead wildlife and reporting sightings to the Department of Environment and Climate Change’s regional offices.

For those who hunt wild birds, wear gloves, process birds outside or in well-ventilated areas, disinfect equipment, surfaces and clothing afterwards and wash hands frequently while dressing them.

Anyone who experiences respiratory or flu-like symptoms and has been in contact with birds in the last 10 days — either wild birds or domestic birds who seem sick — should contact their local health centre or call 811.