Originally published July 26, 2022, updated November 15, 2024.
Please note: This Avian Influenza outbreak is continuously evolving. For more information, visit the “Avian Influenza in Wild Birds” webpage published by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
The H5N1 subtype of Avian Influenza virus continues to spread across Canada. The birds most at risk include waterfowl, raptors (such as Great Horned Owls, Bald Eagles and Red-tailed Hawks), colonial nesting seabirds (such as Northern Gannets), and domestic poultry. Birds Canada volunteers and supporters can help respond to the ongoing outbreak by following these guidelines:
- Do not feed birds by hand.
- Do not feed waterfowl, gulls, or other water birds
- Do not touch sick or dead birds.
- Report sick or dead birds you find (see contact information below).
Is it safe to use a bird feeder?
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the use of bird feeders is still safe on properties without domestic poultry. Avian Influenza does not affect all bird species in the same way; while it can cause severe illness and death in domestic poultry flocks, it is currently not considered a disease threat to feeder birds.
To help keep feeder birds healthy, clean feeders a minimum of every two weeks, and more frequently if used heavily. Scrub and soak feeders with 10% chlorine bleach solution (use one part bleach to nine parts water). Rinse feeders thoroughly and allow them to completely dry before refilling.
If you find a sick or dead bird, please report it to the following authorities:
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative information line 1-800-567-2033 or by using their online reporting tool.
- In Newfoundland and Labrador, to the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture at (709) 685-7273.
- In Prince Edward Island, to the Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division at (902) 368-4683.
- In Nova Scotia, to the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables at 1-800-565-2224.
- In New Brunswick, to your local office at the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development.
- In Québec, to the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs at 1-877-346-6763.
- In Ontario, to the Ontario regional centre of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at (866) 673-4781.
- In Manitoba, to the Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development 24 hours at 1-800-782-0076.
- In Saskatchewan, to the Ministry of Environment Inquiry Centre at 1-800-567-4224.
- In Alberta, to the Environment and Protected Areas ministry office at 310-0000.
- In British Columbia, to the provincial Wild Bird Reporting Line at 1-866-431-2473
- in the Northwest Territories, to the Department of Environment and Climate Change using the regional wildlife emergency number
- in Nunavut, to your local Conservation Officer at the Department of Environment
- in the Yukon, to the Turn in Poachers and Polluters at 1-800-661-0525 or by using their online reporting tool
More information on Avian Influenza
For more information, visit the “Avian Influenza in Wild Birds” webpage published by Environment and Climate Change Canada, which summarizes information and guidance on Avian Influenza for the public. Provincial and territorial governments may issue additional advice.
More tips for keeping feeder birds healthy
For more tips from Birds Canada, please visit our webpage on “Keeping feeder birds healthy.”
Birds Canada is following the situation closely and will update our advice as required.
