Last week, some harbour seals in the Bas-St-Laurent region of Southern Quebec, have been found to have tested positive for avian influenza virus (bird flu).
The seals were breeding on islands with many sick and dead eider ducks infected with avian influenza. No bird deaths due to avian influenza have been reported in Nunavik, so the risk of seals getting infected here is low.
Although, it is extremely rare, humans can get infected with bird flu from animals.
Report any cases of dead birds or birds presenting strange behavior, twisting of the neck or difficulty moving and for seals, report unusual behaviour, uncommon death or sickness.
You can contact Barrie Ford or Géraldine Gouin at the Nunavik Research Centre at (819) 964-2925.
Take precautions when handling bird.