Celebrate National Invasive Species Action Week by joining the NWT Council on Invasive species, Pests, and Pathogens for a talk on wildlife disease!
NISAW Webinar: Wildlife Disease on May 18, 12:00 PM MDT
Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6113325755243041039
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Transmission, Monitoring, and Management of Rabies in Northern Canada
Rabies virus is a serious and zoonotic disease that persists throughout most regions of the arctic, including northern Canada, maintained by its primary host: the arctic fox. Periodically, we have seen outbreaks where spillover into wild and domestic species can happen. As we experience a changing climate and arctic ecology, the distribution and epidemiology of rabies virus might be changing as well. Dr. Jutha will discuss the history, background, and current understanding of rabies through a One Health lens, bringing together considerations relating to the health of our environment, wildlife, domestic animals, and people.
Avian Influenza in migratory birds
A strain of avian influenza that is highly contagious among birds is currently spreading from the United States into southern Canada. Also known as ‘bird flu,’ avian influenza is a respiratory disease which naturally occurs in wild birds throughout the world. It is common for migratory waterfowl to carry and spread these viruses. In this presentation, Jennifer Provencher and Eric Reed will discuss the current spread of AIV in North America, and the data on this strain from Europe. They will also discuss major waterfowl migration routes in North America, potential spread of the virus, and surveillance plans for the NWT. Jennifer Provencher is a Wildlife Health Research Scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Ottawa, Ontario and Eric Reed is a Population management Biologist, both with Environment and Climate Change Canada.