June 2, 2006

Statement

Clarification on statements made about wild bird guidelines

Earlier today, the City of Ottawa, issued a memo to city councillors saying it would not release the Mute (Royal) swans this year because of concerns about the potential risk of exposure to strains of avian influenza. The memo suggests that these actions are being taken based on guidelines issued by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has not issued guidelines to holders of Aviculture Permits as the Agency does not have any authorities under the federal Migratory Birds Regulations. These regulations fall under the responsibility of Environment Canada.

In May 2006, the Public Health Agency of Canada issued general guidance for the public and for organizations that come into contact with wild birds on precautions to follow in handling wild birds.

The guidelines do recommend that aviculturalists and wild bird rehabilitation centres quarantine new wild birds that are being introduced into their facilities before mixing them with the resident birds. This is a standard practice. These guidelines do not apply to captive birds.