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Wildlife Diseases and Contaminants
Avian Flu
Hunters have been shooting and eating wild birds, including waterfowl species known to be reservoirs for avian influenza, for centuries without ill effects. Severely ill wild birds are rarely healthy enough to fly and are more likely to die of natural causes (disease, exposure, or predation) than to be shot by hunters. Cooking will kill the vast majority of pathogens, including avian influenza. Chances are the hunter will be fine, especially if the following precautions are observed when preparing and cooking the
birds.
- Do not handle or consume sick birds, or birds that have died from unknown causes.
- Avoid direct contact (skin or mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth) with blood, feces, and respiratory secretions of all wild birds.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while cleaning game.
- Ideally, wear dish gloves or latex gloves when cleaning game.
- Wash gloves, hands, and clothing with soap and warm water immediately once you have finished processing game.
- Wash tools and work surfaces with soap and warm water, followed by a 10% solution of chlorine bleach – just the same as you would after handling raw chicken.
- Cook game meat thoroughly, to an internal temperature of approximately 160 F.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
Environment Yukon tracks the emergence and transmission of wildlife diseases in North America. We recognize that animal carcasses and offal transported by hunters from region to region can pose significant risks to local wildlife by transmitting disease and disease-causing agents.
Chronic Wasting Disease is a new and growing threat to wildlife populations, particularly deer and elk. Although the possibility of importing this disease to the Yukon is remote, hunters are asked to ensure:
- that the brain, tonsils (throat) and eyes, spinal cord/backbone and all offal are removed and disposed of prior to returning to the Yukon. (The best practice would be to bring only the cleaned skull cap and antlers, and edible meat and organs.)
- that all butchering scraps and bones be properly disposed of (in a secure Yukon landfill). Domestic and wild animals should have no access to these scraps.
For additional information on either of these issues, please contact Philip Merchant at Environment Yukon at (867) 667-5285.
Tularemia
There are many micro-organisms in the environment that can cause disease in humans. Hunters and trappers should be aware of a disease called tularemia that is caused by bacteria found in contaminated surface water. It can also be acquired by the handling of hares, beavers, muskrats and some other mammals. Tularemia is usually transmitted by contact with infected animals or their immediate environment. This means:
- being bitten or licked by the animals,
- handling or cleaning the animal,
- breathing in air or dust contaminated with the bacteria, or
- eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
While cases of this disease are not common in Yukon, they can be serious. Cleanliness is important, as is protection from exposure to the animal's blood and other body fluids. Protect yourself by wearing gloves while skinning and gutting the animal. Afterward, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and hot water. If animal fluids splash in your eyes, flush thoroughly with clean water. Make sure the meat is cooked thoroughly, and avoid skinning or handling any animal that appeared ill.
Anyone with symptoms such as fever, swollen glands, or rash after handling wildlife should consult their doctor and let him or her know what animal you have been exposed to.
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
Hantavirus is found most commonly in deer mice but could also be present in other rodent species. The virus is transmitted to humans through airborne particles or through water contaminated with feces, urine, saliva or blood. Hantavirus starts with flu-like symptoms including sore muscles, fever, headaches, shortness of breath and nausea. The disease has a 60 per cent mortality rate.
Here are a few precautions you can take when you open up your trapping cabins in the fall and clean out the mouse droppings:
- Wear rubber gloves when cleaning or handling used traps or their contents.
- Disinfect everything with mild bleach or disinfectant. Apply with a spray mister to keep down the dust and any contaminated particles.
- For extra protection when cleaning or handling contaminated materials, wear a mask with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
- Make your cabin is less attractive for mice. Keep food in rodent-proof containers, clean up food scraps and use mouse traps.
For more information pick up a copy of the "What is Hantavirus?" Pamphlet, available at Environment Yukon and Health and Social Services offices.
Sarcoptic Mange
Affected animals show varying degrees of hair loss, usually on the legs and tail. Badly infected animals can be weak and in poor body condition, and may lose their fear of people. The parasite which causes mange may be transferred through contact. Pets are more susceptible than people.
Winter Ticks
Winter ticks are found almost everywhere in North America. They are moving north. This might be because of shorter winters caused by climate change. Scientists now think winter ticks are in the NWT – where there are no elk.
Different species react differently to a winter tick infestation - elk, deer and goats groom themselves regularly and keep tick numbers down. Moose don't groom much and by the time they do start to react to the bites the ticks are big enough to latch on and stay put. (Grooming involves licking, biting, rubbing, and chewing.)
For more information see our Winter Ticks in Yukon Web Page 
Contaminants in Yukon Wildlife
What is Cadmium?
Cadmium is a metal that is found in natural ecosystems in the Yukon. The metal works its way into the soil, and then into plants through the roots. Animals eating those plants will then absorb the metal. Once it is in the body, cadmium may accumulate in the liver and kidney. Older animals tend to have higher levels of cadmium than younger ones.
Cadmium can cause kidney damage at high levels, although this has not been noted in Yukon. Cadmium does not accumulate in the muscle tissue of any animal.
Recommendations for Consumption
These recommendations are based on eating these amounts every year. If you don't eat any this year, you can eat twice as much next year and remain within the recommended limits.
- Caribou and moose meat are very nutritious, and there is no limit on the amount of meat (muscle) recommended for consumption.
- Tobacco contains much higher levels of cadmium than animal sources. Reducing or eliminating smoking is the most effective way of limiting cadmium intake.
- Maximum recommended consumption of moose and caribou kidneys and livers are noted in the table below.
Maximum Consumption of Organs, per person/year
| Kidneys | Livers | |
| Caribou | 7-32 | 4-16 |
| Moose | 1 | 1 |
How Hunters Can HelpPlease view our Monitoring Northern Contaminants in Animals |
Page for more information on how to provide samples to Environment Yukon, and win a free charter flight!
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Environment Yukon Government of Yukon Box 2703 (V-3A) Phone: 867-667-5652 Email: environmentyukon@gov.yk.ca |