Confirmed case of avian flu found in Nunavut seabird

A confirmed case of avian flu has been found in Nunavut, the Department of Health announced Friday.

The Canadian Wildlife Service and Department of Health detected the case in a northern fulmar, also known as a glaucous gull, which was harvested near Resolute Bay on Oct. 3. It was the first confirmed case found in Nunavut since January.

Avian or bird flu is a viral infection found among birds including domestic poultry and wild birds such as ducks and geese. The case was detected in a northern fulmar,or glaucous gull.

Signs of infection among birds include trembling or lack of co-ordination, swelling around the head, neck and eyes, diarrhea, or sudden death.

The Health Department’s public service advisory said the risk of avian flu being transmitted to humans is considered low.

Health officials in British Columbia detected Canada’s first human case of H5 avian influenza on Nov. 9.

A news release from the province indicated the “presumed” positive test for H5 was performed at the B.C. Centre for Disease Control’s Public-Health Laboratory. The affected person is a teenager, who is currently receiving care at B.C Children’s Hospital in Vancouver.

The source of the exposure is still being investigated by public health staff in B.C., but it is likely to have been an animal or bird, the news release said.

Human cases of avian flu are caused by “close, prolonged contact with infected live or dead poultry or contaminated environments,” the Government of Nunavut public service advisory states.

Anyone engaged in wild bird and egg harvesting should practise basic food safety measures such as wearing gloves, washing their hands, and cleaning soiled clothes and equipment as soon as possible.

The Health Department advises anyone who notices unusual deaths or illnesses among birds to contact the local conservation office. Anyone who feels very sick after handling a bird should contact their local health centre