On 3rd February, the Government confirmed that a case of avian influenza at a turkey farm in Suffolk was caused by the H5N1 virus.
There are many types of avian, or bird, influenza. The type caused by the H5N1 virus is highly pathogenic however the risk to human health in the UK remains low. Human infections have occurred in people who have been closely associated with poultry. There is no evidence that H5N1 infections in humans have been acquired from wild birds.
Trust staff and volunteers have been looking out for any occurrences of mortality in birds on nature reserves since autumn last year. Both Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve and Far Ings National Nature Reserve were selected by Defra as priority areas for avian influenza surveillance and regular checks have been carried out. The Trust is calling on birdwatchers to help by reporting any sightings of dead birds of the target species (wildfowl and gulls).
The Trust is also reassuring people that it is still safe to feed the birds in their gardens. However, people should make sure that they wash their hands after handling bird food and feeders, and before touching their mouth or eyes, or eating food. This is good, common-sense hygiene and should always been done after coming into contact with any animals, whether wild, farm animals or pets.
What should I do if I find dead birds?
Birds die all the time, for all sorts of different reasons, and you are likely to come across them from time to time. Do not touch any dead birds - or any other animals - that you find.
If you notice unusually high numbers of sick or dead birds (wildfowl or gulls), you should inform Defra (ring 08459 335577). They will make an assessment on what further action should be taken. If you see high numbers of sick of dead birds on a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve please contact the Trust on 01507 526667.
For details of the Wild Bird Surveillance on Trust nature reserves see
www.lincstrust.org.uk/wildlife/avianflu.php
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