Requirement to
Report
Veterinarians who know or suspect that a captive bird or birds or poultry flock is infected with the agent of psittacosis
(C. psittaci) are required to report this.
Time Frame to Submit: Immediately (within 24 hours).
Who Receives the Report: The local Medical Officer of Health
Information Required: At a minimum, a veterinarian is expected to report the following:
• Name and contact information of the bird’s owner/custodian.
• Name, breed, signalment, description and detailed medical history of the affected bird(s) (or at least as much
as is known about the bird(s) based on their medical record), including any treatment with antibiotics already
administered
How to Submit: Veterinarians should check with the local health unit to determine if there are specific forms or
reporting formats. To contact local health units
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/common/system/services/phu/locations.aspx#7
Penalties
A person who is guilty of an offence is liable to a fine of not more than $5,000 for every day or part of a day
on which the offence occurs or continues.
For a corporation convicted of an offence:
• The maximum penalty that may be imposed for every day or part of a day on which the offence
occurs or continues is $25,000.
• When a corporation is convicted of an offence under this Act, each director and each officer,
employee or agent of the corporation who was in whole or in part responsible for the conduct of the
business that gave rise to the offence is guilty of the offence unless he/she demonstrates that he/she
took all reasonable care to prevent the commission of the offence.
Legislative Overview • Mandatory Reporting
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