Chapleau MNR - Biology Department

Quoting barb.maile@mnr.gov.on.ca:

Hi Joel,


The first question I have is...where was the bear harvested?


I am concerned with your health issues and would suggest that you
contact your local ministry of health official and discuss the symptoms and
getting the meat tested.


If you have further concerns, please contact me.


Thanks,


Barb Maile

Information Management Biologist
Ministry of Natural Resources
Chapleau District
'(705) 864-3162
(705) 854-0681
barb.maile@mnr.gov.on.ca

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-----Original Message-----
From: joel@whitemoose.ca [mailto:joel@whitemoose.ca]
Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2005 6:18 PM
To: barb.maile@mnr.gov.on.ca
Subject: Re: bear meat

The bear was harvested approximately 20 miles up Warren Carty Road in a
blue berry patch..... I'm also concerned with health issues, which is why I
called you... I'm under the impression that the area is under the Chapleau
district, and so another individual in the mNR sent me to you... So, where should
I get the meat tested, and what would they be testing for?

Thanks,

Joel Theriault

Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 15:46:32 -0500
From: barb.maile@mnr.gov.on.ca
To: joel@whitemoose.ca
Subject: RE: bear meat
Joel,

Since you're in Ottawa, I would suggest contacting the Health Unit in
Ottawa. However, the number for Chapleau is 864-1610 - they will most
likely suggest sending a sample to your nearest Health Unit. As for
what to test for, I have no speculations. It would be best to discuss
that will a health professional. Have you discussed the symptoms with a
nurse / doctor?

thanks

Barb Maile
IM Biologist
Ministry of Natural Resources
Chapleau District
'(705) 864-3162
h (705) 854-0681
: barb.maile@mnr.gov.on.ca

-----Original Message-----
From: joel@whitemoose.ca [mailto:joel@whitemoose.ca]
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2005 3:20 PM
To: barb.maile@mnr.gov.on.ca
Cc: TheriaultJoel@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: bear meat

Thanks Barb,

Because I'm in Ottawa now, I'm not really sure how to get a hold of the
Chapleau District Public Health Unit. Might you be able to tell me the number or
email for the health unit.. Also, what would you have the meat tested for?
Any speculative thoughts?
thanks,

Joel

Oh, one more thing.. A friend of mine shot a bear very near to the
location where I shot mine. He was quite happy to give me all the meat. We're
having the same effects with both bears, but the larger bear seems to have more
severe symptoms....? The only thing that I can figure is that its been exposed
to more bad stuff in its life but I really have no idea.... The bears were at
least 30 miles from any dump. The meat is cooked well. And we've eaten bear
meat from an area which had never been forested with out any problems or
symptoms....?

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Quoting barb.maile@mnr.gov.on.ca:

Hi Joel,

You are quite right in that the area in which you hunted is
administered by Chapleau District however, MNR does not have the capacity to
address personal health issues, that is why I suggest you discuss the health
aspect and having the meat tested with a Ministry of Health official.
Once the meat has been tested (and if the illness was due to disease
within the meat), the issue can then be addressed by MNR. So please
contact the Chapleau District Public Health Unit or Sudbury & District
Health Unit to discuss the symptoms and getting the meat tested.

Whomever directed you to MNR for tested was mis-informed. If this
person was MNR staff, could you provide me with contact information so
that I can discuss the issue with this person.

Thanks,

Barb Maile
IM Biologist
Ministry of Natural Resources
Chapleau District
'(705) 864-3162
(705) 854-0681
barb.maile@mnr.gov.on.ca