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Wildlife Diseases and Contaminants

Avian Flu

Chronic Wasting Disease

Tularemia

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Sarcoptic Mange

Winter Ticks

Contaminants in Yukon Wildlife - How Hunters Can Help

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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.

 

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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:

For additional information on either of these issues, please contact Philip Merchant at Environment Yukon at (867) 667-5285.

 

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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:

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.

 

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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:

For more information pick up a copy of the "What is Hantavirus?" Pamphlet, available at Environment Yukon and Health and Social Services offices.

 

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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.

 

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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 icon image - this is a link to a new page

 

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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.

Maximum Consumption of Organs, per person/year

 

  Kidneys Livers
Caribou 7-32 4-16
Moose 1 1

 

How Hunters Can Help

Please view our Monitoring Northern Contaminants in Animals icon image - this is a link to a new page Page for more information on how to provide samples to Environment Yukon, and win a free charter flight!

 

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Contact Client Services

Environment Yukon

Government of Yukon

Box 2703 (V-3A)
Whitehorse, Yukon
Canada Y1A 2C6

Phone: 867-667-5652
Toll free (in Yukon): 1-800-661-0408 local 5652
Fax: 867-393-7197

Email: environmentyukon@gov.yk.ca

 

Last Updated: September 01, 2009 | © 2009 Government of Yukon | Copyright | Privacy Statement | Disclaimer