Two crows found dead in the Dehcho region of the Northwest Territories in late October have been confirmed carriers of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The new cases bring the total number of avian flu cases so far in the territory to three, according to a press release on Wednesday.
The two crows were found dead a few days apart, on October 26 and 28.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said it submitted the birds to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative for testing. Both tested positive on Dec. 16, the department said.
No other cases have been reported, the territory said, and there is no indication of an outbreak in the Northwest Territories at this time.
There have also been no reports of sick birds from agricultural or environmental operators.
Eighty-three birds from the Northwest Territories were tested in 2022. The territory said there were no samples awaiting analysis.
No one has been reported infected with bird flu this year, although the outbreak has been detected nationwide.
The virus affects domestic and wild birds around the world, the statement said. This year’s strain is known as HPAI, the territory said, because it is “highly infectious and more likely to spread to domestic and agricultural birds.” The strain was identified as H5N1.
Other jurisdictions are still grappling with the outbreak, as birds continue their migration south. The territory said the risk to birds in the Northwest Territories at this time of year is “extremely low as the majority of migrating birds have left the North for the winter season.”
The territory advises people not to handle dead wild birds or live birds “acting strangely”. Anyone who sees a sick, injured or dead wildlife should call your regional ENR office or contact the ENR Wildlife Health Program at WildlifeVeterinarian@gov.nt.ca.
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