Following confirmation of Avian flu in a dead bird recently found in the South Mainland, members of the public are being asked to report online if they find any large numbers of dead birds in Shetland
A Great Black Backed Gull was collected from Quendale Beach on 26th September 2023 and has since tested positive for the H5N1 High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus, more commonly known as ‘Avian flu’ or ‘Bird flu’.
Anyone finding a single dead bird of prey, three dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or five or more dead wild birds of any other species, should report this online at www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds or call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
Reports of suspected avian flu in wild bird populations will help to monitor the spread of the disease, locally and across the UK. Dead wild birds that are reported may be collected and tested for bird flu or other cause of death.
In poultry and other captive birds, suspected avian flu is a notifiable disease that must be reported by law. Any signs of disease in these populations where avian flu is suspected must be reported to Animal and Health Plant Agency. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone is currently in place in Shetland, around a premises near Tingwall, following confirmation of the HPAI virus on 15th September 2023.
For more information on avian flu, including biosecurity advice for poultry on smallholdings, please look up: www.gov.scot/birdflu