Spring goose hunters should be aware of bird flu risk: experts

As many First Nations in northwestern Ontario gear up for the spring goose hunt, migratory birds are flying north from the United States, which is grappling with a wave of avian influenza impacting millions of birds and 70 people.

While a virology expert says hunting, dressing and eating geese could have significant risk, simple prevention measures reduce risk greatly. 

The migratory birds flying to northern Ontario could bring the avian virus with them, said Earl Brown, a professor emeritus of virology at the University of Ottawa. Hunters should keep an eye out for signs of infection in waterfowl, he said. 

"If you see a bird that doesn't look normal and healthy flying around, don't take it, don't feed it to the dogs," said Brown.

The virus can spread through water, blood, dead birds or feces, he said. Dressing geese and eating raw blood or meat are some of the higher risk activities, said Brown. 

"If you're out harvesting waterfowl, you have to be more cautious because that's where it's spreading and residing at the highest amounts," said Brown. Large numbers of Canada geese and snow geese have been killed by bird flu, he said. 

Brown said infected birds will often show signs of brain or heart damage. This can include twisted necks, tilted heads, head swelling, red eyes, tremors or drooping wings, he said. They may also have trouble flying or walking straight.

He recommended keeping a distance from any birds that look out of sorts or dead birds. Children in particular are at a high risk of contracting avian flu, said Brown. 

Anyone who accidently comes into contact with a dead bird that could be infected should bury it outside and wash their hands with hot, soapy water after, said Brown. 

While some community members have been inquiring about the avian flu virus, Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) Vice President of Community Health, Janet Gordon, said there hasn't been any confirmed cases in the 33 First Nations it serves in the Sioux Lookout region. 

SLFNHA has issued an advisory warning not to eat any birds that look sick. Gordon said she's confident people will take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of bird flu. 

"I think people up north know. They've been hunting for many, many years," said Gordon. "People handle birds or animals that look sick with caution."

She said many people will be looking forward to the spring goose hunt.  

"Just keep a lookout for anything that doesn't look right," she said.