LNTM 19-2022 – Avian Flu
All Harbour users are advised:
We are receiving an increasing number of reports about dead wild birds, including Gulls, Gannets and Cormorants.
DEFRA have issued the following advice.
Reporting dead wild birds
Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.
You should call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) if you find:
- one or more dead bird of prey or owl
- 3 or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks)
- 5 or more dead birds of any species
DEFRA then collect some of these birds and test them to help understand how the disease is distributed geographically and in different types of bird.
Calls to the DEFRA helpline about dead wild birds are triaged and not all birds will be collected. The criteria for which birds are collected are adjusted to increase or decrease the sensitivity of surveillance.
Wild birds are susceptible to a range of diseases and injuries and not all dead birds will have been infected with avian influenza.
Dart Harbour staff are recording dead birds that they spot during their patrols, and are sharing this information with DEFRA. If you notice a bird that we may have not collected information on (in the quieter regions of the harbour) then please let us know via the form below.
Dead wild birds will not be removed. We strongly advise you not to touch them.
Jack Handley
Assistant Harbour Master – Compliance
Issued 05/09/2022
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