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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 27th July 2023
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Beachgoers urged to report dead birds
Nearly 70 UK bird species have been affected by the outbreak.
Thousands of seabirds suspected to have died from avian flu this year.

As people visit the coast this summer, avian influenza experts are urging the public to help them monitor the spread of the disease by reporting any dead or sick bird they see to Defra (or DAERA in Northern Ireland) and to log the sighting on the BirdTrack app.

It comes as large numbers of seabirds are being reported found washed up on beaches as the outbreak of avian influenza which began in the UK in 2021 continues to significantly affect wild bird populations. Almost 70 UK bird species have tested positive, according to the RSPB.

In recent weeks, hundreds of dead seabirds, mostly guillemots, but also some razorbills and gannets, have been washed up on the Pembrokeshire coast. Testing from a sample of the birds confirmed avian influenza.

It is a story that is being repeated around the coastline of the UK. Last week, NatureScot recorded the deaths of 1,443 guillemots, 1,570 kittiwakes and 236 herring gulls suspected to have been caused by the virus.

Members of the public should not handle dead or sick birds, but report any that they see. Once reported, Defra or DAERA will decide whether to collect the dead bird for testing and researchers will use the data from BirdTrack to study the geographical spread of the disease.

Dawn Balmer, the British Trust for Ornithology’s head of surveys, said: “As our beaches get busier over the summer holidays, do look out for dead birds, report them and keep your dogs on leads and away from carcasses. It’s devastating to see the impact of avian influenza again this year. You can help us monitor the situation by continuing to report dead birds to Defra (GB) and DAERA (NI), and also to BirdTrack.”

Nick Ward, Natural England’s principal advisor for highly pathogenic avian influenza, added: “Avian influenza has again had a big impact on many of our important seabird colonies in England affecting chicks and adults in different proportions. Future monitoring will be crucial for assessing the lasting effects of these mortality events.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.