In an Oct. 5 public-health advisory, Nunavut’s Environment and Health departments said avian influenza is suspected in four bird species found dead near Frobisher Bay, Iqaluit, between Sept. 4 and 11. Environment and Climate Change Canada collected the birds for testing, and the Government of Nunavut says the cases remain suspected until confirmatory results are available. This replaces the government’s Sept. 29 notice, which described avian influenza as confirmed in four species of birds harvested near Frobisher Bay. The newer notice does not explain the change in wording. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗

The correction changes the certainty of the finding. Residents should not describe these Frobisher Bay cases as confirmed while testing is still pending. The government still considers the general public’s risk low and says fully cooked game birds and eggs are not known to transmit avian influenza to people.

The Government of Nunavut says it will not continue reporting later confirmed cases and directs people to the federal highly pathogenic avian influenza tracker for live Canadian case data. People who see unusual bird illness or deaths should contact their local conservation office. Anyone who becomes very sick after handling a bird should contact their local health centre.

This is a public-health advisory and correction, not a new restriction on hunting or egg harvesting. The government advises people handling birds to wear gloves, wash hands with soap and warm water, and clean soiled clothing and equipment promptly. Multiple dead birds in one place can be a sign that the virus is present.