More dead bison keep Wood Buffalo campgrounds closed
Last Updated: Friday, July 27, 2007 | 4:23 PM CT
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Wildlife officials have found more dead bison infected by anthrax at the Wood Buffalo National Park in the Northwest Territories, forcing park officials to keep campgrounds closed for the weekend.
A total of 10 infected bison have been found in the current outbreak at Wood Buffalo, Canada's largest national park, located on the N.W.T.-Alberta border.
Earlier this week, park staff closed a camp area when one of the carcasses was found near the Kettle Point campground. More carcasses have since been found near the camps.
"People who come across any animals … please do not go near it," park spokesman Mike Keizer said Friday. "Contact the park immediately, the park visitors' centre, and we will dispatch a team to have a look at it."
According to Parks Canada's website, there have been eight prior anthrax outbreaks recorded in the park's history. Bison usually contract anthrax by inhaling contaminated soil while rolling in dust. It can be transmitted to humans that come into direct contact with infected bison carcasses.
Park officials are burning the bison carcasses to ensure the anthrax doesn't spread to people and to other animals that might consume the bodies. But Keizer said one of the carcasses will not be burned, as it is located in a very remote area of the park.
Keizer said park staff will provide regular updates on closures. Visitors can contact the park to inquire about what's open and closed at the park.
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