Anthrax has been confirmed in the bison population of the Slave River Lowlands through laboratory testing.
The cases were confirmed on Friday.
The report from Environment and Climate Change states that, consequently, all bison carcasses will now be regarded as confirmed anthrax cases. So far, 27 cases of anthrax have been confirmed.
To address the situation, several key activities have been initiated. Surveillance flights are being conducted to identify additional carcasses, while field assessments of carcass sites are being carried out to prepare for their disposal and treatment.
Direct contact with infected animals, carcasses, or animal parts, such as meat, hide, or hair, can lead to transmission. Person-to-person spread of the illness does not seem to occur, or rarely.
To stay safe, the following health precautions should be observed:
- Do not approach, hunt, or consume bison in the Slave River Lowlands until further notice from the Environment and Climate Change authorities.
- Anyone who has been exposed to anthrax spores but is not yet ill should receive medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Avoid turning up soil in the vicinity of bison carcasses.
If in the affected area, the public is asked to avoid areas that have been closed due to the anthrax response. The public is also asked to report sick or dead bison promptly. Contact Bison Control at 1-867-872-6438. For more information, visit this link.
Do not to approach and avoid bison carcasses.
