Québec City, September
18, 2007 - Environment Canada's Canadian
Wildlife Service is reporting the presence
of dead or dying ducks in Lake Saint-Pierre.
Over the last few weeks, more than 100 dead
ducks have been found in the Anse-du-Fort
area (between the Yamaska River and Baie-du-Febvre),
on the south shore of Lake Saint-Pierre.
Consequently, Environment Canada is asking
hunters to neither kill nor eat ducks showing
signs of illness, such as obvious weakness
or abnormal thinness.
An analysis by veterinarians at the Canadian
Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre at the
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Saint-Hyacintheidentifies
botulism as the main cause of death among
the ducks collected in Anse-du-Fort.
Botulism is an illness caused by a neurotoxin-producing
bacterium. Infected birds develop progressive
paralysis and gradually lose control of
their muscles. Death by paralysis or drowning
ensues. The type of botulism that causes
death in ducks does not affect humans. However,
as a precautionary measure, hunters are
asked to not eat ducks that are sick or
unable to fly.
Botulism is not an atypical illness. Low
water levels coupled with higher-than-normal
ambient temperatures promote an outbreak
of these incidents.Anse-du-Fort has had
duck mortality events caused by botulism
in 2001, 2005 and 2006.
Migratory bird hunting season opens Saturday,
September 22, in the affected area. Hunters
who notice an unusually high number of dead
or sick ducks are asked to call 1-800-463-3911
to report their sightings.
Paul Milot
Environment Canada
+ More
Government of Canada Takes Action to Combat
Dumping of Raw Sewage and Upgrade Sewage
Treatment
Ottawa , September 24, 2007 - Environment
Minister John Baird today announced that
the Government of Canada is taking action
to combat the dumping of raw sewage into
our lakes, rivers, and oceans, and greatly
improve sewage treatment across Canada.
This action will help protect the health
of Canadians, and will help address the
threat of blue-green algae growth.
"The Government of Canada is taking
action now to cut water pollution by setting
hard and tough new national standards for
sewage treatment," said Minister Baird.
"These new rules will bring Canada
in line with some of the toughest rules
in the world today, like those in the European
Union. For too many years, previous federal
governments have failed to act. This government
will take that action. Canada will have
tough national rules needed to improve water
quality and protect the health of Canadians."
The proposed regulations are to be published
next year. These new regulations will also
have a positive impact on filtering out
substances like phosphates, which can lead
to excessive blue-green algae production,
as well as mercury and pharmaceutical products
in sewage outflow. The rules will enforce
national standards to the more than 4,600
wastewater collection and treatment systems
in towns, cities, and communities across
Canada.
Improving the quality of water in our lakes,
streams and rivers requires collaborative
approaches and actions by the federal, provincial,
territorial and municipal governments and
aboriginal communities. The Government is
taking action now through federal regulations
which will provide clear instruction to
all municipal, aboriginal, federal or private
owners of a sewage treatment plant.
Through its unprecedented $33-billion Building
Canada infrastructure plan, the Government
of Canada will provide long-term, stable
and predictable funding to help meet infrastructure
needs across Canada. Building Canada will
support infrastructure projects, such as
sewage treatment systems, that contribute
to a cleaner, healthier environment for
Canadians and businesses, a stronger economy,
and a more secure Canada.
Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
