Update: Wild Birds

Following the recent reports to the Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Council of the Isles of Scilly, and the Wildlife Trust a number of deceased wild birds have been collected this week for sampling. While the cause of death is currently unknown, we are aware that Avian Influenza has been confirmed in parts of Cornwall. 

We ask that everyone follows the guidelines below:

• 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 birds
• Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with droppings
• Do not bury or move the birds
• Report it

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, such as on a beach or a footpath, please notify the Council. This can be done by calling our enquiries line 0300 1234 105 or email environmentalhealth@scilly.gov.uk. When calling please provide a description of the bird and its location. The Council is working with the Wildlife Trust to remove the deceased birds where possible.

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 keep birds and would like to be added to our email list for further guidance, please contact environmentalhealth@scilly.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)