A COUNCIL has warned the public not to be “alarmed” by the sight of PPE-wearing staff collecting bird carcasses infected with bird flu as another Scottish outbreak was confirmed.
South Ayrshire council sent workers out in protective kit on Tuesday to collect the bird bodies littered around the area.
The local authority confirmed the birds were infected with avian flu and warned the public not to touch any dead or sick birds.
People were also advised to avoid touching the feathers of wild birds or surfaces contaminated with bird droppings.
In a Twitter thread, the council said: “Sadly, avian flu has been confirmed in dead wild birds found in Ayrshire.
(1/5) Sadly, Avian Flu has been confirmed in dead wild birds found in Ayrshire. Our Waste Management team will be taking steps to remove the birds from the public areas. pic.twitter.com/oKlkgA1eQF
— South Ayrshire Council (@southayrshire) August 15, 2023
“Our waste management team will be taking steps to remove the birds from the public areas.
“As part of this process, they need to wear personal protective equipment, so please don’t be alarmed if you see them while they are uplifting the birds.
“Avian flu poses a low risk to humans, however we would ask that you:
- Don’t touch any dead or sick birds
- Don’t touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings
- Keep children away from dead or sick birds
- Keep dogs and other animals away from the birds
- Wash your hands with soap and water, use hand sanitiser and clean and disinfect your footwear if you come in contact with wild birds
- If you come in contact with wild dead or sick birds and develop flu like symptoms, then contact your GP or 111.”
Members of the public were also advised to call the local authority’s waste management team on 0300 123 0900.
In early January, the Scottish Government imposed an avian flu prevention zone across the country to stem the spread of the potentially deadly virus.
It was lifted in July and the public was warned that while the risk of catching bird flu remained low there was still some danger and bird keepers were encouraged to keep stringent biosecurity protections in place.
There have been no recorded deaths caused by bird flu in Britain since 2003, according to the World Health Organisation and a total of 458 deaths from the virus globally in the last decade.
