Concern raised over bird flu in wild birds
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North-east animal shelter, The New Arc near Ellon has raised concerns that bird flu which has already been found in Orkney could be spreading among wild species on the mainland.
The charity has had calls from the public reporting concern for wading birds at the Newburgh estuary, and of particular concern had been the Red Knots species.
On their Facebook page they explained: One very poorly Knot was brought to us, and immediately quarantined due to our concerns of Avian Influenza, and the unusual symptoms being presented.
"The bird died soon after and was bagged and stored safely.
"We have since received several calls regarding these lovely little birds - normally they race around, feeding frantically, but are displaying listless symptoms, not moving around, not eating and sometimes away from the flock (not normal)."
What concerned the charity was the response from DEFRA: "After nearly three hours of telephone calls trying to report our concerns to the authorities, none of which were particularly interested (DEFRA/APHA), a very nice APHA vet did take the details to forward on if necessary."
"It is very frustrating that this is only being taken so seriously in domestic/farm poultry and little interest as yet is being shown in wild birds, but if they have it - it will likely spread fast as they are an indicator that "bird flu" is in the area."
Another issue noted was that the nationally published advice states: "Poultry and captive bird keepers and members of the public should report dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 (option 7)", an option which was found not to exist on the phone menu and as the charity commented: "Defra refer Scottish callers straight back to APHA."
The nearest Animal Plant and Health Authority office is located at Thainstone - Inverurie on 03000 600708 or by email via APHA.Scotland@apha.gov.uk
Public health advice is that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and it does not affect the consumption of poultry products including eggs.
Multiple species of wild birds have been found to be positive for avian influenza in locations across England.
Wild birds can spread the disease to poultry and other captive birds so keeping poultry and captive birds separate from wild birds is key.
