No reports of avian flu among domestic birds

Orkney Islands Council’s Animal Welfare team is reiterating national advice for members of the public to not handle dead wild birds, following a confirmed case of avian bird flu in a skua found in St Mary’s, Holm.

Gary Foubister oversees the council’s Animal Welfare team: “At this stage we are not aware of any cases of avian bird flu in domestic birds, such as chickens or pet birds, in Orkney.

“We’d just reinforce national advice to members of the public that if you spot dead wild birds, such as ducks, swans and geese, gulls falcons or other birds of prey – or five or more other types of birds dead in one location – to not touch the carcass or try and remove it yourself.

“Report it as soon as possible to the dead wild bird helpline 03459 33 55 77 run by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). They will then liaise directly with us as needed to arrange for removal and testing.”

An Avian Influenza Protection Zone remains in place over the whole of Scotland. The team say keepers of domestic birds should continue to adhere to stringent cleanliness and hygiene requirements available on the Scottish Government website at www.gov.scot/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu/pages/biosecurity/

More information about avia bird flu can be found on GOV.UK website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#advice-for-the-public