November 5, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Food Inspection Agency
The Government of Canada is asking Canadians for help to guard Canada's farmed birds and flocks against the introduction of disease.
Every year live and dead wild birds are tested as part of the Wild Bird Influenza Survey. The survey, in its tenth year, is an important part of Canada's avian influenza prevention and preparedness strategy.
Testing live wild birds enables scientists to identify and watch for changes in viruses circulating in the wild bird population. Testing dead wild birds allows scientists to monitor for the highly pathogenic strains of the influenza virus.
Canadians can help by reporting sightings of dead wild birds to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) at 1-866-544-4744. While the risk of infection with avian influenza is extremely low, members of the public should avoid handling dead birds.
Media Relations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-773-6600
