NatureScot looking to see how avian flu has impacted seabird population in Sutherland
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NatureScot and partners are putting in place measures to try to reduce the risk of avian flu for Scotland’s seabird colonies this summer.
With many species already starting to return to coasts to breed, conservationists are waiting to see how the virus has impacted seabird populations this year.
Close monitoring over the autumn and winter months through NatureScot’s early-warning surveillance network has shown a mixed picture in other species.
Since late December, the number of sick and dead birds reported through the network has totalled 2,800 birds across 50 species. While it is not possible to say with certainly that all of these birds died of avian influenza, this is inevitably only a proportion of the overall mortality as many dead birds will not be found or reported.
Scotland’s Avian Influenza Task Force, led by NatureScot, has been working at speed to further understand how the virus is transmitted and what practical actions can be put in place to help seabirds and other species in the event that they are hit by the outbreak again.
Eileen Stuart, NatureScot’s deputy director of Nature & Climate Change, said: “Like many, we are waiting anxiously for our breeding seabirds to return so that we can begin to assess how the populations are faring after last year’s devastating outbreak.
“Over the winter we have seen a mixed picture, with some geese faring well and other populations suffering. The work we are doing on sampling will help us better understand why this might be the case and whether immunity/resistance is building up in the different populations.
“Alongside this, a huge amount of work has been going on in the background with a wide range of partners to prepare for the return of our seabirds across Scotland. While we cannot predict what the impact of the virus will be this summer, these preparations will ensure that we can take swift coordinated action if necessary to give our seabirds the best possible chance.
“Over the coming month, we will be communicating directly with stakeholders to give further detail, including providing a range of guidance to enable landowners and managers to prepare for the season."
Dr Nick Phin, director of Public Health Science at Public Health Scotland, said: “Members of the public should not touch dead or sick birds unless they are wearing suitable protective clothing and know how to use it.
“The risk of getting avian flu in the UK from dead birds is low but not absent and people should therefore be cautious if they come across dead birds.”
