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Farne Islands reopen after avian flu outbreak
The Farne Islands are home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, shags, kittiwakes and Arctic terns.
Visitors will be welcomed for the first time in two years.

Inner Farne, one of the Farne Islands cared for by the National Trust, is to re-open for visitors on 25 March 2024.

The National Nature Reserve, which is home to approximately 200,000 seabirds, had been closed for two years following an outbreak of avian influenza among the bird population.

The Farne Islands are home to a variety of bird species, including puffins, shags, kittiwakes and Arctic terns. The birds return to the island, located off the Northumberland coast, to breed each year at the end of March, and leave at the end of summer once their chicks are fully-fledged.

However, the colony was hit by the outbreak of avian influenza in 2022. Rangers collected over 6,000 dead birds in 2022 alone.

While avian influenza was still present in 2023, the rangers recorded a 39 per cent reduction in deaths from the disease, with 3,647 dead birds collected.

The National Trust believes that this could be a sign that some immunity is growing in the community. They have said that they will continue to work with the British Trust of Ornithology (BTO) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to protect the wellbeing of the birds.

From 25 March, Inner Farne will be welcoming visitor boat-landings from the harbour at Seahouses to get a closer look at the island’s wildlife and cultural history. Inner Farne will be the only island to re-open this year, as the National Trust trials a limited opening.

Sophia Jackson, an area ranger for the National Trust, said: “We have been closely monitoring the impact of the disease on our breeding populations as part of international research into bird flu.

“This has shown that the disease has had devastating impacts on some species and at some UK sites making our conservation efforts all the more important. Like at other sites, it seems that the disease has declined in our birds, although we will continue to closely monitor them as the breeding season starts again.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Central Qualifications to attend BVNA Congress

News Story 1
 Central Qualifications (CQ) is to host a stand at this year's BVNA Congress. The awarding body will be at Stand C9 from 11-13 October.

It will discuss changes to the qualifications strategy and some new qualifications, including a top-up course for equine veterinary care, so qualified veterinary nurses can broaden their skills.

Rachael Shepherd, education consultant at CQ, said: "We are looking forward to attending BVNA Congress this year. There are exciting times ahead, with a revamp to the VN qualifications and assessment strategy and the introduction of some new qualifications." 

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Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.