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Scottish Wild Bird Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
Response Plan published.
Environment Minister has thanked organisations
and partners in Scotland for their efforts to respond to the
ongoing avian flu outbreak in wild birds.
Speaking on a visit to the Scottish Seabird Centre in East
Lothian, Ms Martin said that the last two years had been some of
the most challenging on record for wild bird populations and the
people who care for them.
In the year to 30 September 2022, surveillance data showed avian
flu was present in 34 wild bird species in Scotland. In the
spring and summer of 2022, a total of approximately 20,500
seabird deaths across 160 locations were reported to NatureScot.
It comes as the Scottish Government today published a new
Scottish Wild Bird Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Response
Plan which sets out the multi-agency approach to monitoring and
mitigating the spread of the virus.
The plan provides guidance to regulators, the general public,
those involved in animal rescue, researchers and academics and
environmental non-government bodies on issues relating to avian
flu in wild birds.
Ms Martin said:
“The avian flu outbreak in wild bird populations across the globe
is extremely sad and has been difficult for us all to witness.
“In most cases there is no alternative but to let the disease run
its course, however the effectiveness of our multi-agency
response in monitoring the spread of the virus can build our
understanding of the outbreak and what mitigation measures might
be helpful. The publication of this Plan is designed to support
this.
“Our understanding of the outbreak in wild birds is also
important in helping us to minimise the impact on kept birds and
poultry, who we cannot forget have also been significantly
affected by this virus.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank people across a variety
of different government agencies, organisations, charities, local
councils and the general public who have been working tirelessly
over the last couple of years to respond to this unprecedented
avian flu outbreak.”
Background
Scottish Wild Bird Highly
Pathogenic Avian Influenza Response Plan
Read about the latest avian influenza
outbreak situation in Scotland, including details of the
current disease response plan.
Advice for members of the public, farmers and landowners on
what to do if you find
dead or sick wild birds is published on the Scottish
Government website.
