PUBLIC NOTICE – Government of Canada Allowing the Temporary Possession of Dead Migratory Birds

The Government of Canada wants to inform the public of a variance to paragraph 6(b) of the Migratory Birds Regulations, to allow for the temporary possession of found dead migratory birds, which is in effect until September 2013.

As public participation in the study of dead migratory birds is necessary to help conduct surveys on avian viruses, it is permitted to temporarily possess dead migratory birds to allow for swift delivery of such birds to provincial or territorial authorities for analysis. The Government of Canada is responsible, under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, to ensure that migratory birds are protected and conserved, and testing dead birds is believed to be the most effective method available for the detection of avian viruses.

What you need to do if you find a dead migratory bird:
Call the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre at 1-800-567-2033

Visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website for guidance on precautions to take when handling wild birds.

For more information on the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, visit Environment Canada's website.