Bird flu warning after dead gulls and gannets found in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
People are being urged not to touch dead birds after a confirmed outbreak near Newlyn
Last updated 22nd Aug 2022
Dead sea birds have been found around west Cornwall and on the Isles of Scilly and some are being tested for bird flu.
The discoveries were made as Defra confirmed an outbreak near Newlyn, where a Controlled Monitoring Zone is now in place.
Following that, Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital & Sanctuary was forced to cull all its birds due to samples coming back positive.
The site is temporarily closed as staff and Defra officials carry out a thorough sanitisation.
Wildlife trusts in the Duchy and on the islands are urging people not to touch dead sea birds.
Posting on Facebook, the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust said: "We are sad to say that we have had several reports of dead or sick gannets and herring gulls now across the islands. There is a possibility that we are seeing cases of Bird Flu on the islands now. Bodies are currently being collected and sent for testing.
"We are working with the Council of the Isles of Scilly on a strategy for removing dead and sick birds from public areas as safely as possible.
"Although the risk to humans is low, we can inadvertently spread the disease to other birds, and there have been cases reported in dogs, too".
On Saturday, Friends of Portheras Cove also confirmed the discovery of dead sea birds. The group posted: "There have been reports of dead and ill gannets on the Isles of Scilly and here in West Cornwall. Two dead gannets and one very poorly one were on Portheras today.
"There is a possibility that we are seeing cases of Bird Flu here in the far west now (the disease has been rife in Scotland and other areas of the UK and has been spreading southwards of late)".
The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust shared the following advice on what to do if people find dead sea birds.
• Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds.
• Keep dogs and other pets away from any dead or sick birds.
• Do not feed wild waterfowl.
• Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with droppings.
The group posted: "Partners will be monitoring areas where sightings have taken place, but with limited resources and a large area to cover, we do appreciate your help in identifying potential cases.
"We would urge anyone visiting the Isles of Scilly to report any dead birds directly to Defra's national helpline on 03459 335577.
"The Council, in partnership with the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust will be working to remove the birds from the reported public areas. Please contact with the Council enquiries line 0300 1234105 to report any dead birds, providing a description of the bird and its location".