The territorial government is advising that a possible case of anthrax is being investigated regarding a bison carcass that was found on Hwy 3. The GNWT is asking travellers to be cautious if near Hwy 3 and report any cases of sick or dead bison.
As the investigation continues, officials advised the public not to approach, hunt or eat Bison in the Slave lowlands until the department of the Environment and Climate Change gives further updates on the safety of bison meat.
The carcass was spotted on the west shoulder of Hwy 3 at kilometre 164.
As of about 3 p.m. Friday, laboratory results were pending.
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.
Officials said If conditions allow for burning, the carcass will be safely incinerated on the side of the road over the weekend. The carcass burning would help to prevent scavenging and possible spread if it is confirmed to be anthrax.
In the meantime, officials advised that traffic on Highway 3 may be cut down to one lane in the area.
Response crews will be working beside the roadway,
Crews caution there may be smoke and periods of low visibility near the site.
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 is a naturally occurring disease in wildlife, but it 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 is 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
