Avian Influenza - Wild Bird Surveillance and Birdwatchers

Background

A key part of the UK strategy for avian influenza surveillance is to provide an early warning if highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses are introduced to the UK by wild birds. Defra have selected sites in priority areas where there are high concentrations of the target species, they have requested that these areas are actively monitored.

The following Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves have been selected:

Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
Far Ings National Nature Reserve

Assistance from Birdwatchers

Birdwatchers can play an important role in this surveillance by reporting any sightings of dead birds of the target species.

Target species

Bewick's swan	Gadwall	Moorhen	Shoveler
Black-headed gull	Golden plover	Mute swan	Snipe
Brent goose	Herring gull	Pintail	Teal
Common gull	Lapwing	Pochard	Tufted duck
Coot	Lesser black-backed gull	Ruff	Whooper swan
European white-fronted goose	Mallard	Shelduck	Wigeon

Reporting

Please report any occurrences of dead birds of the target species to:

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust: 01507 526667

Information required:

Nature Reserve name
Exact location on the reserve where dead birds found
Dead bird(s) species
Dead bird(s) quantity
Dead bird(s) reported to the Defra helpline. If reported to the helpline, please include the reference number you were given by the helpline operator.

The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust would also welcome counts of the target species at Gibraltar Point NNR and Far Ings NNR (please email any counts of the target species to ).

Reporting unusually high mortality events

If ten or more dead wild birds of any species are found at the same location and at the same time, this should be reported as an unusually high mortality event. These birds will be examined for other diseases in addition to avian influenza viruses as there is a separate survey to establish the causes of death of large numbers of birds.

Contact Defra helpline
Telephone: 08459 33 55 77
Website: www.defra.gov.uk