A significant discovery of dead common eiders along the east coast of Greenland has raised concerns among Greenland’s veterinary and food authorities, prompting an investigation to determine the cause of the birds’ deaths. The Greenland Veterinary and Food Authority (Grønlandsk Veterinær- og Fødevaremyndighed) confirmed the findings in a press release, highlighting the area around Ittoqqortoormiit as an epicenter for these discoveries.

Although precise numbers have not yet been disclosed, the number of deceased common eiders is described as considerable. Authorities suspect that highly pathogenic avian influenza may be the cause, generating further concern as this infectious disease has previously been detected in Greenland.

To uncover the exact cause, the deceased common eiders will be collected and undergo thorough health checks. Avian influenza, which rarely transmits to humans, is assessed in this instance to pose a low risk to the population. Nonetheless, authorities advise residents to take precautions when handling dead birds. They particularly recommend washing hands thoroughly with soap after contact with the birds, preferably after the entrails have been removed. It is also advised to skin the birds rather than pluck them to reduce the risk of transmission.

For those who wish to be extra cautious, it is important to ensure that meat and eggs are cooked or baked thoroughly, which will kill any potential avian influenza virus. The common eider, a distinctive bird in the Arctic and particularly in Greenland, is known for nesting in large colonies along the coast. These colonies can be extremely dense, with hundreds of thousands of nesting pairs, making the current situation even more alarming and calling for swift action from authorities.