Goose hunting in times of avian flu


Three cases of the highly contagious H5N1 disease, commonly known as avian flu, have been confirmed in the wild bird population of the Montérégie region, south of Montreal, and two other cases have been identified in farms in the Townships of -the East, in Estrie.

At present, there is no evidence of infected geese in Eeyou Istchee and we have no news from our hunters hunting in the South. »

A quote from George L. Diamond, Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay

Eeyou Istchee is the traditional name of the Cree territory in Quebec.

But with the increase in confirmed cases across the country, particularly on farms, officials across Canada are increasingly concerned that avian flu will have a devastating impact on bird populations, whether wild or farmed.

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.

A man poses for the photo.

George L. Diamond, planning, programming and research officer at the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay.

Photo: Susan Bell/CBC

George L. Diamond, Planning Officer at CBHSSJBemphasizes the importance for Cree hunters to remain vigilant in order to help slow the spread.

The Cree Board of Health has added bird flu information to its website, as many Cree are heading to their traditional camps to hunt the geese that are currently migrating north.

Telltale signs of an infected bird include weight loss and clear or cloudy discharge from the eyes, nose, beak or hindquarters.

In live birds, one should also watch for nervousness, tremors or lack of coordination, swelling around the head, neck or eyes and a form of coughing inertia or diarrhea.

If a hunter suspects a bird is infected, they should not handle the goose with their bare hands and instead cover the animal to protect other animals.

the CBHSSJB also asks hunters to notify their local Cree trappers association. The Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks is also asking hunters to report possible cases to 1-877 346-6763.

Low risk for humans

According to the federal government’s website, there have been no cases in North America of transmission of the disease to humans following exposure to infected wild birds.

Although authorities do not believe bird flu poses a risk 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…people shouldn’t eat it. »

A quote from George L. Diamond, Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay

Hunt South

More and more Cree hunters are heading south to hunt geese in parts of eastern Ontario and southern Quebec. George L. Diamond mentions that there had been 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, points out that the Cree public health message is to go out and enjoy the traditional goose hunt. I encourage people to get out and do their spring hunting, to enjoy their time on the land. We give you all these precautions […] to minimize the spread of bird fluhe added.

Based on text by Susan Bell and Marjorie Kitty, The Canadian News



Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca

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