The City of Boisbriand has directed residents to updated provincial guidance on keeping domestic birds, warning that allowing chickens and other birds to roam freely on unfenced property is prohibited under Quebec regulations.
In a recent public notice, the municipality referred citizens to information published by Quebec’s Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec, which oversees animal health and biosecurity across the province. The reminder comes amid the continued presence of avian influenza in Quebec’s wild bird populations.
Confinement Is Mandatory
Under the provincial Regulation respecting sanitary conditions for places where captive birds are kept, domestic birds must be confined at all times. They must be housed inside a building or kept within an outdoor enclosure that prevents them from leaving the owner’s property.
The objective of the rule is to limit contact between domestic birds, such as backyard hens, and wild birds that may carry disease. According to MAPAQ, migratory waterfowl, including wild ducks and geese, pose a particular risk because they can contaminate feed and water sources.
Birds must be fed and watered indoors or through protected feeders and drinkers that prevent access by migratory waterfowl. The use of surface water, such as rainwater, stream water, pond water or other untreated surface sources, is prohibited for drinking or cleaning purposes. Only properly constructed groundwater wells that comply with Quebec environmental regulations may be used.
The rules apply broadly to “captive birds,” a category that includes domestic poultry and certain wild birds kept in captivity for human consumption or whose products are consumed. Examples include chickens, turkeys, ducks, pigeons, quail, guinea fowl, geese, pheasants, ostriches, emus and rheas. Birds may be kept for farming or recreational purposes, but they remain subject to confinement and biosecurity requirements.
An additional restriction states that captive birds may not be kept at the same municipal address as migratory waterfowl.
Avian Influenza in Quebec
The municipal reminder comes as avian influenza, including the H5N1 strain, continues to circulate among wild birds in Quebec. Since April 2022, the virus has spread across multiple regions of the province, according to provincial authorities.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, or Canadian Food Inspection Agency, monitors and responds to cases of avian influenza nationwide. The agency has established emergency reporting lines for suspected outbreaks in domestic flocks.
Owners and keepers of birds are urged to closely monitor the health of their animals. Unusual mortality, sudden drops in egg production, respiratory distress, swelling or other signs of illness should prompt immediate consultation with a veterinarian. If veterinary assistance is unavailable, residents are instructed to contact the CFIA’s avian influenza emergency line at 450-768-6763 or call 1-844-ANIMAUX to reach MAPAQ’s reporting centre.
Residents who encounter sick or dead wild birds are also encouraged to report them through provincial channels.
Gatherings Discouraged
Authorities are currently advising against organizing bird gatherings, such as fairs, exhibitions, competitions or auctions. Such events can increase the risk of disease transmission between flocks.
MAPAQ has also published a formal advisory to poultry owners, which municipalities recommend sharing and posting in coops as a reminder of required measures.
A Growing Backyard Trend
Backyard chicken keeping has gained popularity in many Quebec municipalities in recent years, including suburban communities such as Boisbriand. While local bylaws often regulate the number of birds permitted and coop placement, provincial biosecurity rules apply regardless of municipal policy.
The current reminder underscores that bird owners are responsible not only for local compliance but also for adhering to provincial sanitary standards designed to protect both animal and public health.
Although avian influenza primarily affects birds, authorities maintain that rigorous prevention measures are essential to limiting its spread. Confinement, secure feeding practices and avoidance of surface water are considered basic safeguards.
Municipal officials have not announced new local restrictions, but by directing residents to provincial guidelines, Boisbriand is reinforcing that biosecurity obligations remain in force.
As the virus continues to be detected among wild bird populations, provincial authorities emphasize that prevention begins at the coop level.
