Published 6:40 pm Tuesday, September 29, 2026 Four species of birds harvested near Iqaluit between Sept. 4 and 11 are suspected to have avian flu, the Department of Health advised on Oct. 1. The Government of Nunavut had previously stated on Sept. 29 that avian flu was confirmed, but that advisory was retracted two days later. Of the 27 dead birds suspected of avian flu, 16 were common eider, six were glaucous gulls, four were iceland gulls and one was a Canada Goose. The last time avian flu was detected in Nunavut was in December 2024. The risk of human infection is low, and eating fully cooked birds and eggs remains safe, according to Charmaine Deogracias, manager of communications at the Department of Health. “Basic food safety measures are recommended for hunters and other bird handlers to reduce the risk of illness,” Deogracias said, adding that recommended safety measures include wearing gloves, washing hands with soap and warm water and cleaning soiled clothing and equipment as soon as possible. Bird flu in humans is caused by close, prolonged contact with infected live or dead birds or in contaminated environments. Nervousness, trembling or lack of coordination, swelling around the head, neck and eyes, diarrhea or sudden death are all signs a bird has avian flu. “Multiple dead birds in one location are a sign that the virus is present,” Deogracias said.
Avian flu suspected in 27 harvested Iqaluit birds
