Hunters urged to get walrus meat tested for parasite

There has been one confirmed case of trichinosis in Igloolik, Nunavut, from eating walrus meat and more are suspected, as people have been going to the health centre reporting symptoms.

Those symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, fatigue and muscle pain.

Dr. Geraldine Osbourne, Nunavut's chief medical officer of health, said meat was distributed within the community without the recommended testing.

Usually the tongue of the animal is sent to Kuujjuaq, Que., for testing and the results are available within 24 hours.

She encourages hunters to get their harvest tested first through the local Hunters and Trappers Organization before distributing the meat.

Untested walrus meat should be cooked until well done to kill the parasite that causes trichinosis. Eating the meat raw or fermented will not kill the parasite.

Osborne said anyone with symptoms should go to the health centre.