Bulletins

Recently, Canada has seen outbreaks of a highly infectious strain of avian influenza, a naturally occurring virus that affects wild and domestic birds. Diseases such as avian influenza are naturally occurring in wildlife populations and past outbreaks eventually declined as populations of wild birds developed immunity.

While it remains safe to visit Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, Parks Canada is advising visitors that they could encounter deceased or dying birds during their visit, particularly on beaches.

Any contact with infected birds may contribute to the spread of the virus.

Parks Canada asks visitors to take the following precautions when visiting the national park reserve:

Never approach or handle wildlife in the park, including sick, injured or dead birds.
Never allow your pet to approach wildlife, including sick, injured or dead birds and always keep your pet on a leash.

If you see sick, injured or deceased wildlife in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, call 250-654-4000, email gulfinfo@pc.gc.ca, or let a staff member know.
Never feed wild birds from your hand or try to lure birds with food or seeds.
Visit Canada.ca/Avian-Flu or Avian influenza - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca) for more information.