Avian flu update and guidance

Avian flu update and guidance – Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in Dumfries and Galloway (including on the Solway Coast) and in other parts of the UK. 

Government are reminding everyone to NOT touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find when you are out and about.  This is especially important on the Solway Coast where you may come across dead barnacle geese or other species of geese, swan or duck.

In Great Britain, if you find a single dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), a single dead bird of prey, or five or more dead wild birds of any other species (including gulls) at the same place at the same time, you should report them to Defra’s national telephone helpline: 03459 33 55 77 (and select option 7).

You can find out more about avian influenza outbreaks, including details of the current disease response plan in place by clicking here