Terry Halifax
Northern News Services

Fort Smith (Aug 27/01) - Another anthrax outbreak is feared in the South Slave, with the discovery of eight dead bison about 60 kilometres southeast of Fort Resolution.

Bob Bailey, assistant deputy minister of operations for Resources Wildlife and Economic Development, said eight dead bison were found during surveillance flights over the area near Hook Lake last week.

While the cause of death is not yet confirmed, Bailey said there are several reasons it's suspected that anthrax is responsible for the bison deaths.

"There was an anthrax outbreak in the park earlier in the summer, which is a clue that the conditions in the general area appear to be ripe for anthrax to show up," Bailey said. "Also we have had anthrax outbreaks in this area before."

There have been 11 anthrax outbreaks in the area since 1962.

The dead bison were incinerated with a mixture of Petro-gel -- a napalm-like petroleum product -- mixed with jet fuel to burn the carcass at an extremely high temperature. The area is then treated with a chemical sterilant.

Although the area has not been closed to the public, Bailey says signs have been posted throughout the area, warning people to stay clear of any carcasses.

Anthrax fast facts

- Bacillus anthraces: a naturally occurring bacteria

- spores become concentrated in wet weather followed by hot, dry weather

- can be contracted by eating grass or drinking water infected with spores, or inhaled through grazing

Symptoms of anthrax in bison

- may appear disoriented, depressed or indifferent to human contact

- may have a frothy discharge from nostrils and swollen joints

Symptoms of anthrax in humans

- skin infections forming dark pustules

- respiratory or intestinal infections

- can be fatal unless treated with antibiotics