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Avian flu (avian influenza)

A number of dead birds on our Avalon Marshes nature reserves have been reported to Defra as suspected cases of avian flu

Without testing we cannot confirm this, but this is likely the case. It will become an issue for us through autumn and winter months due to the arrival of large volumes of migratory birds. We are preparing for this and assessing how best to manage the potential risks and threats in a variety of scenarios.

We will be working very closely with our partner organisations in the Avalon Marshes particularly, to deliver a coherent and unified approach to best keep staff and the public safe, while reducing, as far as possible, the impacts of the disease on our wild bird populations and species of conservation concern who may have their recoveries affected by this disease.

We remain vigilant for further cases and will continue to follow Defra guidance and protocols. There is a mitigation strategy published by DEFRA and we will follow this guidance.

Read the DEFRA guidance here

What we will do

If we do experience cases, or suspected cases, signage will be displayed at key access points warning the general public of the risk and what measures to take to protect themselves. Signage will also include reminders to dog walkers to put their dogs on leads.

It may be necessary to restrict activities and access to reserves or parts of reserves, according to the latest scientific advice, to reduce the spread and keep visitors and staff safe.  For example we may have to restrict access to areas where birds frequently congregate, or cancel practical work that might bring staff/volunteers/contractors into close contact with potentially infected material.

What you can do

If you find any of the following, you should call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77): One or more dead bird of prey or owl; Three or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks); Five or more dead birds of any species. Please do not touch or attempt to collect any dead or unwell birds.

As an extra precaution please do not pick up any bird/mammal related artefacts that might normally be of interest such as feathers, pellets, bones or fur

Wash your hands after visiting a reserve and before smoking, drinking, eating or touching your face

Clean footwear thoroughly between reserve visits or visits to the wider countryside where there is known to be bird flu. We advise bringing a clean pair of shoes to change into when leaving the reserve and a carry bag to place dirty footwear into. You should disinfect shoes thoroughly when you get home.

Things to remember

  • Wild birds are susceptible to a range of diseases and injury.  Not all dead birds will have Avian FIu. 

  • In general, DEFRA do not recommend that wild bird carcasses are removed.  There is limited evidence on whether collecting and removing wild bird carcasses is effective in reducing the spread of the disease.   Collection is challenging within wetland and reedbed habitats is aso particularly challenging.

  • There is a significant risk to human health. Those dealing with/removing affected birds must have undergone the appropriate training, and have the necessary PPE equipment and supplies.  

  • Agencies with the necessary training and equipment, such as the RSPCA, are facing unprecedented demands on their services so we are unable to call upon them to assist.  Therefore, carcass collection will not be undertaken as routine, but will more likely be the exception, for example, if it poses a risk to the general public by being in an area of high public usage.