Public in warning over dead birds amid flu fears

ENVIRONMENT experts say “unprecedented numbers” of dead seabirds are being washed up on beaches in Tayside and Fife in a bird flu outbreak.

Rangers at Lunan Bay in Angus say 20-30 birds are being discovered each kilometre of shoreline with every tide.

Gannets, gulls and guillemots have all been found at the beauty spot, between Arbroath and Montrose.

There have also been reports of birds being found on other Angus beaches and on the Fife coast – thought to be linked to the same outbreak. It comes as bird flu is said to be sweeping Scotland – killing thousands of animals.

Locals are being warned not to touch dead birds or let their dogs go near them. However, the RSPB has reassured people that the risk to human health is low.

Andrew Matthews, vicechairman of the Lunan Bay Communities Partnership, said: “Unprecedented numbers of dead and moribund seabirds, mainly gannets from the Bass Rock, have been washed up at Lunan Bay over the last three days.

“An estimate would be 20-30 birds per kilometre of shoreline appearing with each tide.

“Assuming this is avian flu, this situation is likely to continue for some time, creating both a very significant aesthetic and, possibly, a health hazard.

“The LBCP’s advice, to date, on dealing with marine carcasses has been to leave them in situ to decay as part of the natural biosystem.

“The scale of the problem and public concerns over the risk – minimal on current evidence – means that safe collection and disposal of the carcasses is the appropriate course of action.”

Fife Council said: “There’s a risk dead or ill sea birds may appear on Fife shores. At this time avian influenza hasn’t been ruled out.

“It’s important that you don’t pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds; keep pets/dogs away from any dead or sick birds and don’t feed wild waterfowl.”