Public warned to keep distance from dead birds

Suu Wighton said that while walking her dog recently on Arbroath beach, near Elliot, she had found several dead seabirds in the area

She was so concerned at the number that she called the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). And she, and anyone who finds any dead birds, is warned to make sure they and their pets keep their distance in case of instance of Bird Flu.

She said: “They said that they were aware of dead birds all the way from Orkney and down the east coast.

"Most of the dead birds are Gannets, although I’ve also seen dead Oyster Catchers and other small birds that I couldn’t identify."

Suu added that DEFRA had told her that they would send a team member to investigate and that the public should be careful while walking on the beach.

Angus Council has issued advice on what to do if dead birds are found and has said that it is liaising with DEFRA to ensure any required testing is undertaken, although they carry more risks of infection than just Bird Flu.

A spokesperson said: “Wild birds can carry several diseases that are infectious to people, so please do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.

"Please also make sure you keep dogs on a lead near sick or dead birds so no contact is made.

“If you come across a dead wild bird, please report it to DEFRA on 03459 335577 (option 7).

"If they are sick or injured contact SSPCA on 03000 999999 (option 1).

"Providing good location information for a dead, sick or diseased bird is particularly important and location apps such as 'what3words', references can be very helpful.

“If you keep poultry, you still need to maintain high standards of biosecurity. The risk of wild birds carrying the disease remains high.

"All it takes is for wild bird droppings to land in your birds’ outdoor area or rainwater to wash infection in.

"The virus can survive for weeks in the soil and in the water so there remains a very real risk to your birds.”

Further guidance can be found online at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu