A number of wild bird deaths (mostly gannets and gulls so far) have been reported to the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), and the Council of the Isles of Scilly. The Council is working in partnership with Defra to have these birds tested to confirm the cause of death. This may be a result of avian flu, however current cause is unknown; the Council will update once the findings have been confirmed.
It is important to follow this safety advice when it comes to wild birds:
- Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds
- Keep dogs and other pets away from any dead or sick birds
- Do not feed wild waterfowl
- Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with droppings
Partners will be monitoring areas where reports have been made, but with limited resources and a large area to cover, we do appreciate your help.
We would urge anyone visiting the Isles of Scilly as well as those living here to remain vigilant and report any dead birds directly to Defra’s national helpline on 03459 335577. If the birds are in public areas, please contact the Council’s enquiries line 0300 1234 105 or email environmentalhealth@scilly.gov.uk. When calling please provide a description of the bird and its location.
If you keep poultry or other birds, it is vital that you wash your hands, clean and disinfect your footwear before tending to your birds, and ensure that you are still following good biosecurity measures for poultry and captive birds (Biosecurity and preventing disease in captive birds (publishing.service.gov.uk)).
If you come in contact with wild dead birds and develop flu like symptoms, then please contact your GP or NHS 111. Bird flu - NHS (www.nhs.uk)