Avian influenza in the Yukon

Human cases of the highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza are uncommon. Close contact with infected live or dead birds can cause illness in humans. While the risk of human infection from this virus is low, be careful when you handle sick or dead birds or mammals. 

• Watch for symptoms 10 days after exposure.
• If symptoms do develop, contact your health care provider or call Yukon Communicable Disease Control (YCDC) at 867-667-8323 and tell them you may have been exposed to avian influenza.
• Isolate away from family members to minimize any risk of transmission.

Your health care provider or Yukon Communicable Disease Control may ask you to get tested for influenza.

In humans

The reported signs and symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from no symptoms to mild illness to severe symptoms (such as pneumonia requiring hospitalization). Watch for these symptoms, alone or combined, for 10 days after your suspected exposure:

• fever, a temperature of 37.8°C (110.04°F) or higher, though there may not always be a fever;
• cough;
• muscle or body aches
• eye redness;
• headaches; and
• sore throat.

In domestic animals

Possible clinical signs of avian influenza infection in domestic animals such as dogs and cats can include:

• fever;
• lethargy;
• conjunctivitis;
• lack of appetite;
• difficulty breathing;
• neurological signs such as tremors or seizures; and
• death.

Contact your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health. 

Protect yourself 

• People who handle live birds as part of their job should receive annual influenza immunization (for example, poultry farmers or processors).
• Wear personal protective equipment (including gloves and a mask) when you handle sick or dead birds.
• When you handle birds:
  • avoid direct contact with blood, feces and respiratory secretions of all  birds;
  • always work in a well-ventilated environment;
  • avoid inhaling dust, feathers and aerosols;
  • do not eat, drink, or smoke; and
  • keep young children and pets away from sick or dead birds, or areas that could be contaminated by contact with them.
• When you clean up after handling birds or game:
  • thoroughly clean tools and work surfaces with hot, soapy water, and then disinfect using a household disinfectant (such as diluted household bleach); and
  • immediately remove and wash your clothing and footwear that may be contaminated with blood, feces or respiratory secretions.
• Wash your hands frequently:
  • use soap under warm running water for at least 20 seconds; and
  • if soap is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer 
• Avoid surfaces that may have bird droppings or secretions on them.
• When eating poultry, including eggs, make sure that the food is cooked well.
• Monitor your health for signs and symptoms of avian influenza.

Protect your pets

• Don’t allow your dog or cat to eat or play with dead wild birds
• Don’t feed your pets raw meat from poultry, wild or game birds.
• Keep cats indoors and dogs on a leash to avoid giving them access to potentially wild birds or their carcasses. This is especially important during peak migration seasons. 

Protect your livestock 

• Learn more about precautions to protect your livestock

The Animal Health and Protection Branch tests wild birds and mammals for avian influenza viruses. If the virus is detected on a preliminary test, a laboratory will analyze the sample further to confirm the virus strain.

Wild birds and one wild mammal have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the Yukon.

This table is updated quarterly or as new positive cases are identified. 

Surveillance for avian influenza viruses is ongoing, and additional cases are expected in wild birds and potentially wild mammals. It's likely the virus will continue to travel with wild birds throughout the year. Migration will likely result in greater movement of the virus.

The Department of Environment’s Animal Health and Protection branch tests wild birds and mammals that are higher risk for avian influenza (such as waterfowl, raptors, and scavenger species). Testing supports wildlife health monitoring, helps protect public health and contributes to avian influenza surveillance and prevention efforts across Canada.    

• If you encounter a live sick or injured bird, avoid touching it and report it to the 24-hour TIPP line at 1-800-661-0525.
• If you have a sick or dead domestic bird, contact your veterinarian and immediately report it to the Animal Health and Protection Branch: phone 867-667-5600 or email [email protected].

Submit a carcass for testing

Dead birds can be submitted to the Animal Health and Protection branch at 10 Burns Road in Whitehorse, or your local Environment district office.  

• Always take safety precautions if you’ve decided to submit a bird carcass:  
• Always wear gloves if handling dead birds;
• Triple-bag the carcass before transporting it; and
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling.

If you are unsure about handling a dead bird, contact the Animal Health and Protection branch at [email protected] or 867-667-5600.

Find out more about: avian influenza in wild birds.
Learn how to safely harvest small game birds.