Nature / Government confirms more local cases of avian flu in wild birds
THREE more cases of avian flu have been confirmed in wild birds in Shetland.
It comes as concern for the health of Shetland’s wild bird population continues to grow with many more reports of dead skuas and gannets found at locations across the isles.
Last night, wildlife photographer and tour guide Hugh Harrop shared a photo of a dying long-tailed skua at Clumlie, a rare visitor to the isles.
Dr Glen Tyler of NatureScot confirmed that the symptoms displayed by the long tailed skua indicated that it had died of avian flu.
It will be sent together with other samples to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) laboratory in Weybridge, Surrey, for analysis.
Meanwhile, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed that a great black back gull, a gannet and another gull which had been sent to the laboratory a few weeks ago have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1.
Dr Tyler said he was seeking clarification from APHA because the laboratory’s report didn’t align 100 per cent with the bird samples sent south.
This follows on from confirmation by the Scottish Government on 3 May that four eider ducks collected on 20 April had died of bird flu.
“There are a lot more reports of dead birds from Unst to Fair Isle, gannets seem to be washing ashore in places depending on the wind direction,” the marine ornithology adviser said.
The risk from avian flu to humans is considered to be low, but people are advised not to touch or handle any dead or sick birds.
Dr Tyler added that not every dead bird reported is necessarily a case of avian flu.
“People are very aware now and if they see a dead bird, they may assume it is a case of bird flu and it may not be,” he said.
Avian flu is a notifiable animal disease. Anyone finding dead wild birds and suspecting avian flu as the cause of death should report this to the Defra helpline at 03459 33 55 77.
Further information can be found here.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.