A Scottish animal charity has made the tough decision to stop accepting injured and sick wild birds in the hopes of slowing the spread of Avian flu. The Scottish SPCA has announced that the doors of their rescue centres are shut for new patients and are urging the public not to bring any birds that they find to the charity's facilities.
The animal welfare group have said that the measures are temporary but essential to minimise the risk of an outbreak and protect the 700 birds housed at its National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Clackmannanshire. Staff are concerned that the Avian Flu's incubation period of two to eight days means it could take several days to notice the symptoms of the disease - allowing it to spread freely.
It comes as wild seabird and waterfowl populations have been decimated across Scotland. Images have appeared in recent weeks of puffins, gannets and other wild birds washing up on Scottish shores.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Avian flu has circulated throughout bird populations globally for almost two decades with varying degrees of severity. The current outbreak is far and away the worst in terms of transmission and mortality rates. It has been so sad to see the devastation it has caused, particularly among internationally renowned seabird colonies.
“This decision is tough but necessary to protect the hundreds of wild birds currently in our care. Our inspectors and animal rescue officers have responded to reports of thousands of birds in need this year, and they will continue to do so. We will do everything we can for every bird we attend to.
“We have really robust bio-security and isolation measures in place, but the sheer scale and the rapid spread of this outbreak of avian influenza means we have to take this action.
“One positive case in our rescue centre could mean tens of thousands of hours spent treating all of the birds currently in our care are wasted, as government guidelines mandate all birds could be put to sleep to prevent the disease spreading. The likelihood is we would have to close the centre entirely, jeopardising the wellbeing of not just birds but lots of other animals too.”
The animal welfare group says it is liaising with the Scottish Government, DEFRA and other agencies to develop the best strategy to contain the disease. It has confirmed that it will review the policy on a weekly basis, taking into account the most up-to-date evidence and data on the spread.
Visit https://www.scottishspca.org/bird-flu-outbreak for the Scottish SPCA’s most up-to-date guidance.
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