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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Anthrax feared in mass bison kill in remote N.W.T.
FORT PROVIDENCE, N.W.T. -- The Northwest Territories government is warning people to stay away from 128 dead bison that were found during a routine flight to monitor anthrax.
The animals were discovered Tuesday near Mills Lake northwest of Fort Providence. The territory says samples are being sent to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency lab in Lethbridge, Alta., for testing.
The N.W.T. Environment Department has activated its anthrax emergency response plan as a precaution -- anyone who discovers a carcass is asked to notify officials.
The region where the bison were found is only accessible by boat at this time of year, but there are cabins in the area.
Humans can develop skin, respiratory or intestinal infections if they contract anthrax from an infected animal.
Anthrax can be fatal but is controllable if promptly treated with antibiotics.
The disease is caused by a bacteria that, once introduced into an area, leaves spores that can remain viable in the soil for many years.
Under certain conditions such as wet weather followed by a hot, dry spell, the spores become concentrated in low-lying areas. Bison usually contract the disease by inhaling contaminated soil while they are wallowing in dust baths.
Anthrax is not normally spread from animal to animal.
There have been two documented outbreaks of anthrax in the Northwest Territories between 1962 and 2010.
Routine aerial-surveillance flights over the Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary will continue until late August.
-- The Canadian Press
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 7, 2012 A21
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