Concern over avian flu after dead birds found at Loch Fleet

A "good" number of dead wild birds have been discovered at Loch Fleet in East Sutherland over the past few days and concern is rising that the cause could be avian influenza, according to Golspie Community Council.

The group said on social media that it had been approached by Nature Scot to make local residents aware of the situation.

It said: “Members of the public are advised not to touch the dead birds and to keep dogs away."

Anyone coming across dead birds is asked to contact the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) by phoning 0345 933 5577.

NatureScot would also like to be informed if anyone finds a groups of three or more dead wild birds in the area of Loch Fleet, Balblair woods or the Littleferry dunes.

The organisations's headquarters is at Great Glen House, Inverness. Telephone 01463 725000.

Avian influenza, or bird flu, is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. Poultry, pigeons and wild or migratory birds, such as ducks, can become infected with the virus.

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