Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has welcomed new guidance to curb the impact of bird flu in wild birds in Wales after concerns were raised with him over the number of gulls which have been reported dead along the coast in recent weeks.
The Environment Department (Defra) and Welsh Government have set out new guidance to land managers, the public and conservation groups to curb the impact of bird flu in wild birds, while protecting health and the countryside.
A statement issued yesterday by the Minister for Climate Change, Julie James MS, states:
“Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), more commonly known as ‘Bird Flu’, is currently causing significant mortalities in seabird colonies in Scotland and England. There have been concerning mass die offs of great skuas and gannets across Scottish colonies. This has spread down the east coast of the UK causing large mortalities in various tern colonies and other species.
“Wales holds internationally and nationally important seabird colonies.
“Welsh colonies are not currently affected with mass die offs, however, as we are experiencing the tail end of the current bird flu season, the risk of this disease occurring in Welsh seabird colonies remains.”
Welcoming the ‘Mitigation Strategy for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in England and Wales’, published today, Darren said:
“A number of gulls have been reported as dead in recent weeks along the coast and I have had constituents contact me to express concerns. I therefore very much welcome this ‘Mitigation Strategy for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in England and Wales’ published today which sets out guidance on existing policies and approaches across England and Wales. This will enable conservation charities and land managers to take an effective and consistent response to avian influenza in wild birds.
“The Minister has said that the likelihood that avian flu could cause similar mass mortalities in seabirds in Wales, as seen in Scotland and England, remains heighted, therefore such action is crucial.
“Meanwhile, advice is being issued to the public in relation to any findings of dead seabirds and I urge people in Conwy and Denbighshire to follow it.”
The advice includes:
- 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
- Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick wild birds that you find.
Sick or injured wild birds should not be reported to the Defra helpline. Instead, please contact the RSPCA (in Wales and England) on 0300 1234 999, who may be able to offer assistance.
For the full guidance visit: https://gov.wales/report-and-dispose-dead-birds.
