Another 95 oiled birds found
Image: Peter Ferris, RSPCA animal collection officer
The RSPCA has reported the discovery of another 95 birds washed up along beaches in the South West, coated in a sticky substance.
It is suspected that the sticky substance could be the same oil additive which was to blame for the hundreds of birds found washed up along the coastline two months ago.
As with the previous incident in January, the affected birds are largely guillemots, with a small number of razorbills. They have been collected from beaches as far west as Mevagissey, and round to Plymouth, Looe and Whitsand Bay.
According to the charity, most of the birds were emaciated with prominent keel bones, suggesting they have been unable to dive down and feed for several days. Many have been found dead, and 25 of the 95 rescued birds had to be euthanised.
The birds have been transported to the RSPCA West Hatch wildlife centre in Taunton, where staff have begun trying to remove the substance. According to the centre's manager Peter Venn, margarine and washing up liquid are once again proving to be the best way to remove the pollutant.
The charity is reportedly still receiving calls about birds found by members of the public. Commenting on the situation, Mr Venn added: "The [birds] are in a much poorer condition that the ones we treated in the first pollution incident."
The charity has warned dog walkers using the beaches to ensure their animals do not come into contact with the substance. Anyone discovering the birds should not attempt to touch the birds themselves but should contact the charity on 0300 1234 999.
Image credit: RSPCA
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
