Spate of bird deaths sparks clean-up crisis amid bird flu cases at Loch Fleet
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Beaches in east Sutherland are facing a clean-up crisis following confirmation of further new cases of bird flu.
Over 160 bird carcasses have been found at Loch Fleet national nature reserve near Golspie in the past week.
The number of dead birds nearby has grown with at least a further 70 carcasses found and reported to Defra at Embo.
A spokeswoman for NatureScot, who are responsible for maintaining the area, said: "In recent weeks a number of cases of avian flu have been confirmed in birds around Scotland’s shores, and suspected cases have been reported at our coastal National Nature Reserves (NNR) across the north Highlands, Northern Isles and north-east, including at Loch Fleet NNR.
"We are extremely concerned about the situation and its potential impact on Scotland’s internationally important bird populations.
"Responsibility for removing carcasses and testing for avian flu rests with Defra, but our reserve staff and ornithologists across the area are working closely with partners to help investigate outbreaks by collating records, monitoring colonies and collecting samples for testing.
"We will soon have additional seasonal staff in place at our reserves, including Loch Fleet, which will help support this work. Surveys by NatureScot staff and others are also planned for this breeding season for several seabird colonies in Scotland to compare with recent census counts and check for signs of infection.
"We recognise that the sight of carcasses will be concerning to members of the public. Thankfully, the risk to human health from avian flu is very low, but visitors to Loch Fleet should follow the advice given on the signs at the reserve to avoid touching sick or dead wild birds and we would also encourage visitors to keep their dogs on a lead to avoid them having contact with dead birds."
Ornithologist Peter Stronach first discovered the dead birds while on a beach walk at the Loch Fleet reserve on Wednesday May 11, and has reported over 200 dead birds to Defra since then.
Mr Stronach said: "Our main concern now is that carcasses which are being left in the beach and the shore could continue to spread the virus into other species including raptors such as red kite and white-tailed sea eagle, as well as corvids and gulls.
"We have had avian flu in previous years but this is the biggest outbreak ever this year and is unusually spreading into the breeding season, the virus seems to have become more transmissible."
A spokesperson for Highland Council said: "The environmental health team have responsibilities under avian influenza legislation and we work with APHA [Animal and Plant Health Agency] and landowners on the issue.
"We are aware of the issues at Loch Fleet and are liaising with APHA and the landowner."
With the tourist season fast approaching, members of Golspie community council have expressed concern about the disposal of carcasses.
A spokesperson for the community council said: "Defra has been swamped with the volume of calls, and although NatureScot manages Loch Fleet nature reserve, they have told us that they do not have the resources or budget to collect the carcasses.
"It should not be up to local landowners and authorities to dispose of the birds, when this is a national nature reserve and a nationwide issue. Loch Fleet is also a well known stop for migratory birds.
"Thankfully, there are no large poultry farms nearby, but there are good numbers of crofters and domestic poultry keepers who have just released their birds as per government guidance.
"The tourist season has started in earnest and it has been a busy start. There are lots of visitors about and Loch Fleet is a popular place with walkers, cyclists and overnight campers.
"From a public health perspective, it would have been good to have been alerted so that visitors and residents could be best advised."
Members of the public are asked to report dead wild birds to Defra on 03459 335577.
