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By Darren Bernhardt , The StarPhoenix
Published: Monday, August 25, 2008
More Saskatchewan bison have been found dead from anthrax.
Parks Canada on Monday announced that 13 plains bison carcasses were discovered in a remote area of Prince Albert National Park over the past few days. Testing has confirmed anthrax as the cause of death "in several cases," stated a news release, which did not specify how many were positively linked to the bacterium.
The news release was sent out primarily to "assure Canadians there is no threat to human health or safety."
The incident is the province's fourth anthrax outbreak of the year, following two others last month. One of those occurred in the Rural Municipality of Paddockwood, about 200 kilometres north of Saskatoon, resulting in seven bison dying.
This comes after one case of anthrax was confirmed in cattle in the Ponass Lake area July 22. Less than a week prior, officials with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed anthrax killed off several cattle in the Ponass Lake region.
Robin Locke, communications official for Saskatchewan with the CFIA, said at the time that outbreaks of anthrax are to be expected, as the soil in the prairie region is known to naturally carry the spores that cause the disease. But the outbreaks should come as a warning to producers on the prairies, Locke suggested.
"Whenever there's a case of anthrax, it's always a good reminder to producers to consult their local practitioners about whether or not they should be vaccinating," she said.
Anthrax is an environmental disease, meaning it is not communicable. The seven bison that died in Paddockwood caught the disease from the land, not from each other, Locke said.
"Anthrax in wildlife is a naturally occurring disease and Prince Albert National Park remains open for public enjoyment and use," states the news release sent out Monday from Parks Canada. As a precautionary measure only, Parks Canada has closed the West Side trail and Amyot Lake Loop . . . until further notice."
The bison carcasses were found in the southwest corner of the park, about 40 kilometres from Waskesiu. The carcasses are being treated to prevent the spread of the bacterium, as per park protocols, stated the release.
"Parks Canada reminds members of the public not to touch any dead animal they may come across in the park. Instead, they should leave the area immediately and report the location to the Parks Canada office ( 306-663-4532 )."
Saskatchewan's first case of anthrax was confirmed May 26 in the rural municipality of King George, when 13 cattle were affected by the disease. http://www.canada.com/story.html?id=d1e0afd4-2af4-4495-9c6b-537e14d4a968
Published: Monday, August 25, 2008
More Saskatchewan bison have been found dead from anthrax.
Parks Canada on Monday announced that 13 plains bison carcasses were discovered in a remote area of Prince Albert National Park over the past few days. Testing has confirmed anthrax as the cause of death "in several cases," stated a news release, which did not specify how many were positively linked to the bacterium.
The news release was sent out primarily to "assure Canadians there is no threat to human health or safety."
The incident is the province's fourth anthrax outbreak of the year, following two others last month. One of those occurred in the Rural Municipality of Paddockwood, about 200 kilometres north of Saskatoon, resulting in seven bison dying.
This comes after one case of anthrax was confirmed in cattle in the Ponass Lake area July 22. Less than a week prior, officials with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed anthrax killed off several cattle in the Ponass Lake region.
Robin Locke, communications official for Saskatchewan with the CFIA, said at the time that outbreaks of anthrax are to be expected, as the soil in the prairie region is known to naturally carry the spores that cause the disease. But the outbreaks should come as a warning to producers on the prairies, Locke suggested.
"Whenever there's a case of anthrax, it's always a good reminder to producers to consult their local practitioners about whether or not they should be vaccinating," she said.
Anthrax is an environmental disease, meaning it is not communicable. The seven bison that died in Paddockwood caught the disease from the land, not from each other, Locke said.
"Anthrax in wildlife is a naturally occurring disease and Prince Albert National Park remains open for public enjoyment and use," states the news release sent out Monday from Parks Canada. As a precautionary measure only, Parks Canada has closed the West Side trail and Amyot Lake Loop . . . until further notice."
The bison carcasses were found in the southwest corner of the park, about 40 kilometres from Waskesiu. The carcasses are being treated to prevent the spread of the bacterium, as per park protocols, stated the release.
"Parks Canada reminds members of the public not to touch any dead animal they may come across in the park. Instead, they should leave the area immediately and report the location to the Parks Canada office ( 306-663-4532 )."
Saskatchewan's first case of anthrax was confirmed May 26 in the rural municipality of King George, when 13 cattle were affected by the disease. http://www.canada.com/story.html?id=d1e0afd4-2af4-4495-9c6b-537e14d4a968
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