Avian Flu: Still Around
Reports
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) has not gone away.
On Thursday 19 January 2023 Charlotte Clough, the local vet, tested a number pf dead birds which had been reported to her. They were tested for HPAI with the approval of the Animal and Plant Agency (APHA). A Pink -footed Goose and a ringed Herring Gull on Blackwaterfoot beach were both positive for HPAI but a Mute Swan cygnet from Lochside was negative
The world’s worst ever outbreak of avian flu is continuing to have a devastating impact on wild birds in Scotland, with further suspected victims in a range of locations, for example Pink-footed Geese in Moray, Barnacle Geese on Islay as well wild fowl in ponds around Glasgow and Lochwinnoch. In addition there are reports of HPAI killing otters, seals and foxes that eat carcasses that have died from bird flu
Hundreds of thousands of birds have been slaughtered in the commercial sector in the UK. An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was declared across the whole of the UK from 12pm on 17 October 2022. This means strict biosecurity measures for all bird keepers (including those who keep pet birds) to help prevent the spread of avian influenza from wild birds or any other source. All poultry gatherings are banned. The AIPZ does not currently include a requirement to house birds in Scotland. However, this is being kept under constant review. This government website lists the latest Avian influenza outbreaks in Scotland - https://www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-outbreaks/
Please continue to be vigilant and to report dead birds. The new online system to report dead wild birds is really easy and much more time efficient.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds just get a postcode or map reference ready before you start .
You should use this service to report dead wild birds if you find:
· 1 or more dead birds of prey (such as an owl, hawk or buzzard)
· 3 or more dead birds that include at least 1 gull, swan, goose or duck
· 5 or more dead wild birds of any species
You can use this service to report other types or numbers of dead wild birds.
Finally, Do not touch dead wild birds