The GNWT continues to investigate a possible case of anthrax regarding a bison carcass found on Hwy 3. Officials reported that the carcass has been safely burned and so far there are no signs of additional suspected cases, however it is advised that people refrain from hunting Bison along the Mackenzie River until further notice.
Terry Armstrong, a Bison ecologist with GNWT’s department of the Environment and Climate Change told True North FM that the Incident Management Team began safely incinerating the carcass on Saturday, but test results will not be available until later this week.
Armstrong said that so far there are no signs of additional suspected cases of anthrax and the team plans to continue an aerial and on land search of the area near Hwy 3 in the coming days.
Pamela Narváez-Torres, a conservation specialist at the Alberta Wilderness Association told True North FM that diseases like anthrax can either be naturally occurring in the soil (within the habitat of bison) or can be introduced by the presence of other species, like cows and cattle. Environmental factors can also come into play, including drought conditions, something the region has been prone to.
As a precaution, officials are advising the public not to hunt Bison anywhere between Behchokǫ̀ to the Mackenzie River for the time being, added Armstrong.
The GNWT is asking that any sighting of a sick or dead bison be reported immediately to their Wildlife Emergency line or to the Bison Control number. As the investigation continues.
True North FM will provide more on the conversations with Armstrong and Torres to come soon.
Last week, the carcass was spotted on the west shoulder of Hwy 3 at kilometre 164. The carcass burning began Saturday and will help to prevent scavenging and possible spread if it is confirmed to be anthrax.
Due to a preliminary investigation’s findings, the situation is being treated as a suspected anthrax case. An Incident Management Team is assigned to continue to probe the matter and respond to the findings.
In the meantime, officials advised that traffic on Highway 3 may continue to be cut down to one lane in the area as response crews work beside the roadway,
Officials advised travellers not to stop near the work area, to reduce speed and follow traffic control directions and keep moving through the site to minimize risk.
Anthrax can be dangerous to people and to other wildlife and animals. The GNWT are undertaking the disposal of suspected cases as a precaution to protect public health, bison populations, and the environment.
Because anthrax is suspected, GNWT’s Incident Management Team has been mobilized to manage the situation as it unfolds. Officials said their primary objectives at this point are the rapid detection and disposal of dead, infected bison and keeping people away from the area.
This minimizes the release of anthrax spores into the soil, protects bison populations, and protects public health and safety.
The GNWT said they are taking these actions in response:
- Aerial and ground surveillance for bison carcasses
- Rapid response to carcass sites to sample affected animals
- Incineration or chemical treatment of bison and surrounding grass areas to prevent the spread of spores
- Management of wildfire risks due to burning required during the response
- Public information will be provided to mitigate risks for people
The GNWT asks that any sighting of a sick or dead bison be reported immediately to 1-866-762-2437 or to the Bison Control number at 1-867-872-6438 immediately if a sick bison is seen. Officials warn the public to not approach carcasses.
From the GNWT info pages, these are some of the signs and symptoms bison might show if infected with anthrax:
- Having difficulty walking
- With foamy or bloody looking discharge coming from their nostrils or anus
- With significant swelling or distension of abdomen
- Found dead – often animals appear bloated and may be lying on their side in a sawhorse stance
- Appearing depressed or unresponsive to stimuli
- Stopping eating, or overfeeding and stop ruminating
- Appearing lame or having a stiff-legged gait.
- Swelling below the skin
- Refusing to get up when people, aircraft, or vehicles approach
- For more information about anthrax, safety precautions, and updates on GNWT’s response are available on their anthrax outbreak web info pages at www.gov.nt.ca/ecc/en/services/get-latest-anthrax-outbreaks-bison
