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Group reports ‘worst year’ for Horsey seal injuries
Plastic fishing nets and other items of rubbish are causing serious injuries to seals in Norfolk.

At least 10 seals currently caught up in plastic rubbish

A community group from Norfolk says that 2018 has been “worse than any other” year for seal injuries caused by rubbish.

The Friends of Horsey Seals tracks a seal colony in Norfolk and told BBC News that at least 10 animals currently have nets stuck to them or plastic rubbish tangled around their necks.

The RSPCA also revealed to BBC News that it had treated and released six grey seals from Norfolk so far this year - the highest figure ever reported by the charity.

Alison Charles, manager of the RSPCA's East Winch Wildlife Centre said: “It’s horrifying. They are inquisitive, so they get caught in nets from fishing trawlers and the single nylon lines used in mackerel fishing, and Frisbees - just all the rubbish that's out there.

"I've even seen a seal with a bikini around its neck. As they get larger and larger, it cuts through the skin and they get an infection. They cannot extend their neck, so they cannot fish."

Some of the many injuries reported by The Friends of Horsey Seals include a young adult male that suffered “horrendous” injuries when it found itself caught up in plastic netting. In September 2017, a seal was also left with serious injuries after it got its head stuck in a frisbee.

Volunteer David Wyse said the seals had to be weakened by infection and isolated on the beach before they could be helped.

"Another problem is the females are about to give birth and any serious disturbance to the group could result in miscarriages," he told BBC News.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.