Bulletins

This year, 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 built immunity.

While it remains safe to visit Kouchibouguac National Park, Parks Canada is advising visitors that they are likely to encounter deceased or dying birds during their visit, particularly on beaches and coastal areas. Park staff are working hard to collect infected birds and are prioritizing areas most heavily frequented by the public.

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

• 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 Kouchibouguac National Park, call 506-876-2443 or let a staff member know.
• Never feed wild birds from your hand or try to lure birds with food or seeds.