A suspected anthrax outbreak has been confirmed in Wood Buffalo National Park.
Samples sent to a lab early last week came back positive Thursday, Parks Canada said in a press release the same day, confirming the presence of anthrax in at least one dead bison in the park.
Bison typically contract the disease from contaminated soil while wallowing in dust baths. Spores develop in warmer temperatures and fluctuating water levels. Cooler temperatures will kill the spores and slow the outbreak.
Although extremely rare, humans can contract anthrax from contact with infected bison.
Park Resource Conservation staff are still conducting routine surveillance flights to identify new mortalities and monitor the extent of the outbreak, the statement said.
So far, the carcasses found have been in remote areas of the park and Parks Canada sees no risk to the public.
An incident management team with parks has been dispatched to assist with channel removal at Sweetgrass Station, due to its proximity to the facilities there.
More dead bison were spotted in “Lake One, Trident Creek/Trident Meadows, the west junction of Peace Point and flat grass areas of the park,” the press release states.
59 deaths have been confirmed and all are suspected to be caused by anthrax.
“Parks Canada is working closely with relevant provincial, territorial and federal organizations, Indigenous governments, local communities and visitors to ensure the health and safety of the public and park staff is protected,” the press release said .
He says to be safe, area closures are in place for the Sweetgrass, Trident Creek/Meadows and Peace Point West Junction areas.
Parks Canada is asking Fort Smith residents to avoid the Wood Buffalo National Park Fire Station, which is adjacent to the Fort Smith Airport, as Parks Canada’s incident management team works to manage the situation
Incident personnel are currently conducting operations out of Moose Island (Carlson’s Landing) in Wood Buffalo National Park, with helicopters active in both areas. People are also being asked to avoid these areas.
Anyone who comes across a dead animal in the park should not touch it and instead leave the area immediately and report the location to the Wood Buffalo National Park Service Officer at (867) 872-0404.