Nunavik health board reminds hunters to be aware of avian flu

As fearless ptarmigans stroll the streets of Nunavik communities, the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services is reminding people of the risks of avian flu.

“Since April 2022, avian flu has spread among wildfowl throughout all regions of Quebec,” said a news release from the board, issued Monday.

Two cases were detected in geese in Nunavik in fall 2023. Ptarmigans do not pose a strong risk of transmission, the health board said, but precaution is still recommended.

“With spring migration and hunting season under way, the [health board] is asking all Nunavimmiut to be alert and avoid hunting or consuming birds that appear sick,” the release said.

Although avian flu primarily affects birds, it can spread to mammals, including marine mammals.

The health board’s website lists a few precautions that can be taken.

When handling or cleaning game, or harvesting eggs:

• Minimize direct contact with blood, feces and respiratory secretions of all wild birds;
• Always work in a well-ventilated environment;
• If outdoors, try to stay upwind of birds;
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands;
• Wear gloves;
• Wash hands with soap and warm water right after finishing. Hand sanitizers also work;
• Separate clean and dirty eggs during collection and throw away cracked eggs;
• Eggs should be dry cleaned only. Rub dirt and debris off of eggs with a clean and dry paper towel, cloth or brush. Washing or soaking eggs with water can affect the eggshell and allow germs to enter the egg.

Once done harvesting:

• Thoroughly clean and disinfect tools and work surfaces with soapy water, and then use a household disinfectant;
• Remove and change clothing and footwear that may be contaminated with blood, feces or respiratory secretions. When you reach home, wash the contaminated clothes.

Another tip is to avoid handling dead birds that were not hunted or live birds that are acting strangely. Signs of a bird that may be sick include nervousness, tremors, lack of co-ordination, swelling around the head, neck and eyes, lack of energy, coughing, gasping for air or sneezing, diarrhea, or sudden death.

When it comes to cooking or preparing wild bird, here are the health board’s recommendations:

• Keep raw meat separate from other food products to avoid cross-contamination;
• Wash hands often, including before and after handling raw meat;
• Thoroughly clean contaminated tools and work surfaces with hot, soapy water and then use a household disinfectant or a solution of 25 militres of bleach and two litres of water
• Cook eggs fully: no runny yolks;
• Cook meat pieces and cuts thoroughly, leaving no pink flesh.