Bird flu suspected in Greenland seabird deaths
A large number of dead eider ducks have been found along Greenland’s east coast, particularly near Ittoqqortoormiit, according to the Veterinary and Food Authority in Greenland. While the exact number of dead birds is not specified, authorities suspect bird flu may be the cause, as highly pathogenic bird flu has been previously detected in Greenland. Plans are underway to collect and examine the dead birds for illnesses. Although bird flu rarely infects humans, the authority assesses the transmission risk to be low and advises precautions when handling dead birds, such as washing hands after touching internal organs, skinning rather than plucking birds, and thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. The eider duck is widespread in the Arctic, especially in Greenland, nesting in large colonies in cliffs along the coast.