‘Whilst the health risk to humans is low, we advise not to touch carcasses.’

to touch carcasses and to keep dogs on leads in locations where there are dead geese.”

In August, the RSPB raised concerns about the virus’ impact on Scotland’s iconic white-tailed eagle population, after a dead chick on Mull tested positive for the disease.

Dave Sexton, RSPB Scotland’s Mull officer, who monitors the birds, started getting unexpected reports of suspected dead chicks from multiple locations.

Expert climbers, wearing full PPE, scaled a 12m Sitka spruce tree to swab the bodies of two chicks for HPAI testing. One proved positive.

“The deaths of these whitetailed eagle chicks have made a significant contribution to a large drop in Mull breeding success this year,” the RSPB said last summer. “As longlived birds, one year of such chick losses shouldn’t impact the species significantly in the long term.

“However, concerns are that a prolonged outbreak of HPAI could cause several more summers of chicks dying which would.”

Meanwhile the largest ever outbreak of bird flu is spilling over into mammals, including grizzly bears in America, mink in Spain, a fox in Durham, an otter on Skye, and a harbour seal in the Highlands, according to government figures.

It is believed they had fed on dead or sick wild birds infected with the virus. The animals were found to have a mutation of the virus that could make it easier to infect mammals, but there was no evidence of transmission between mammals.

Public health bosses warn the mutation in mammals could see a jump to humans, but the risk to the public is very low.

The Scottish Government advised: “If you find a dead wild mammal, suspected of having been infected with avian influenza, note where you saw the dead animal and contact your local area NatureScot office.

“As with dead wild birds, if you find a dead animal of any species, please don’t pick it up. Carcasses may present health risks and are best left alone.”