Warning to public over touching dead seabirds amid avian flu outbreak

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 – causing the deaths of 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 – a community-led ranger service – 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.

“However, the scale of the current 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.

“Don’t touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings.

“If you keep poultry or other birds, wash your hands and clean and disinfect your footwear before tending to your birds.”

Further up the east coast, there have also been reports of dead birds washing up at St Cyrus National Nature Reserve.

Naturescot – Scotland’s nature agency – says it is “extremely concerned” about the potential impact of the current strain of avian flu.

A spokeswoman said: “Naturescot is working to produce advice for our reserve managers and with Scottish Government and conservation organisations to develop an effective overall strategy.

“Central to this is gaining crucial understanding of the present situation and putting in place means to mitigate against its future recurrence.”

The Scottish Government says the past winter brought on the biggest outbreak of bird flu in the UK to date.

A spokesperson added: “The Scottish Government is taking the situation very seriously and is working hard with partner organisations to progress measures to respond to the reports of increased mortality among wild bird populations and help them become more resilient.

“Avian influenza is in no way connected to the Covid-19 pandemic, which is caused by the Sars-cov-2 virus and is not carried in poultry or captive birds.”

DEVASTATING: Birds washed up at Lunan Bay in Angus include dozens of gannets – similar to the bird pictured – thought to be from the Bass Rock.