Officials from James Bay’s Cree Board of Health and Social Services are asking hunters to keep an eye on potential cases of avian flu as traditional Goose Break. Authorities noted, however, that so far there have been no signs of the disease in Cree territory.
Three cases of the highly contagious H5N1 disease, commonly known as avian flu, have been confirmed in wild bird populations in the Montérégie region, south of Montreal, and two more cases have been identified on farms in the Townships of -the East , in Estrie.
” Currently, there is no evidence of infected geese in Eeyou Itchee and we have no news from our hunters in the South. “
Eeyou Itchee is the traditional name of the Cree territory in Quebec.
But with the increase in confirmed cases across the country, especially on farms, officials across Canada are increasingly concerned that avian flu will have a devastating impact on bird populations, whether wild or farm.
Dozens of cases across the country
Avian flu can be deadly to birds. In addition to Quebec, dozens of cases have now been confirmed in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
George L. Diamond, Planning Officer at CBHSSJBemphasizes the importance for Cree hunters to remain vigilant to help slow the spread.
The Cree Board of Health has added bird flu information to its website, as many Cree head to their traditional camps to hunt geese that are currently migrating north.
If a hunter suspects that a bird is infected, they should not touch the goose with their hands and instead cover the animal to protect other animals.
ang CBHSSJB also asks hunters to inform their local association of Cree trappers. The Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks also asks hunters to report possible cases to 1-877 346-6763.
Low risk for humans
According to the federal government website, there are no cases in North America of transmitting the disease to humans following exposure to infected wild birds.
Although authorities do not believe bird flu poses a danger to humans, Diamond advises to remain vigilant.
” Our hunters have extensive knowledge about a healthy bird. They know what a healthy bird looks like. If a goose shows symptoms of avian flu… it should not be eaten by humans. “
Hunt in the South
More and more Cree hunters are heading south to hunt geese in parts of eastern Ontario and southern Quebec. George L. Diamond noted that there are no reports of Cree hunters killing infected birds.
Several cases of avian flu have been reported in Ontario, including at least one in the Ottawa area.
Mr. Diamond, however, pointed out that the Cree public health message is to come out and enjoy traditional goose hunting. I encourage people to go out and do their hunting in the spring, to enjoy their time on the land. We give you all these precautions […] to reduce the spread of bird fluHe added.
Based on text by Susan Bell and Marjorie Kitty, CBC News
Source: Radio-Canada