Bison anthrax outbreak deaths exceed 400 in NWT
Just last week it was reported that the bison death toll of 340 from the bacterial infection, anthrax, was the largest anthrax outbreak ever reported in the Northwest Territories (N.W.T.).
But now the CBC reports the number has risen once again. They report the number of bison dead from anthrax in the N.W.T. is now at 429.
According to Tony Vermillion of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the latest findings are not the result of a new outbreak, just carcasses not found during previous searches.
“The way it worked out is we found such a large number right off the bat,” he said. “We had to start dealing with those and did more reconnaissance flights and flew more in the area with rotary helicopters coming up on more carcasses and dealing with those as we went along.”
Bison carcasses have been found between Fort Providence and Behchoko.
Anthrax is an infectious disease due to a type of bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. Infection in humans most often involves the skin,gastrointestinal tract, or lungs.
Anthrax commonly affects hoofed animals such as sheep, cattle, and goats, but humans who come into contact with infected animals can get sick from anthrax, too. In the past, the people who were most at risk for anthrax included farm workers, veterinarians, and tannery and wool workers.