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Wetland & Waterfowl Conservation

• Value of Wetlands
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• Avian Flu
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  Find links to leading agencies on avian flu and wildlife diseases in Canada.
• NOVA Science Now Video "Pandemic Flu" that explains the basics of avian flu. © WGBH Educational Foundation

In this section

1. About Avian Flu
2. Role of Migratory birds
3. Monitoring Avian Flu
4. DUC's Position
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. References
7. Bird Flu Update

 

DUC's position on Avian Flu

DUC recognizes that avian flu is a public health concern, that it is a global issue and that it is continuously evolving. As such, DUC is monitoring developments of the lead natural resource and human health agencies in North America and across the world to ensure that we are current on the issue and responding with the most up-to-date information available. DUC will direct all queries to the lead government agencies at the federal, provincial and municipal levels in Canada (as identified by www.pandemicinfluenza.gc.ca).

Enjoyment of the outdoors and Canada’s wetlands are fundamental Canadian experiences that are entrenched in the history of DUC. DUC is committed to working with others to ensure that effective solutions to prevent the spread of avian flu take into consideration the need to conserve Canada’s wetland habitats, of which up to 70 per cent have already disappeared in settled areas. Therefore, as a science-based organization DUC, together with its sister organization in the U.S., DU Inc., will work with appropriate agencies and research bodies to help keep people informed about avian flu with respect to our wetland conservation mission.

Wetland habitats provide multi-benefits to Canadians.  These habitats offer tremendous value for people, including clean water, reduced impact of floods and droughts, protection from soil erosion, and much more.  Furthermore, wetland habitats contribute to biodiversity by providing food and shelter for a wide variety of wildlife, insects, plants and waterfowl, including endangered species.

For these reasons, DUC joins many other organizations world-wide to strongly oppose the culling of wild birds and the draining of wetlands as a means of controlling avian flu. The best science, as well as common sense, indicates that these actions are impractical, and could even result in an increase in the spread of the virus by causing birds to disperse more widely. The American Bird Conservancy, the World Health Organization and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization have also taken this position. In fact, according to a United Nations Environment Programme report, evidence suggests that the ability of wetlands to keep wild birds away from domestic flocks is a compelling argument for conserving and restoring them.

<< Page 3: Monitoring Avian Flu
Page 5: Frequently Asked Questions >>