Just as the threat of human virus SARS-Cov-2 is thankfully diminishing, at least in our corner of the world, there is a terrible avian viral disaster raging. This is BIRD FLU ie the virus H5N1. This isn’t the time or place to explore the subject in detail but in case anyone is wondering what they should do if they spot dead birds (or indeed dead mammals as it appears transmission has started occuring) this government webpage may be of assistance:

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/11/17/an-update-on-avian-flu/

In short, the advice to members of the public finding dead or sick wild birds i:

• don’t touch them
• call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77

Defra are interested in hearing about the following:

• single dead birds of prey (including owls)
• three or more dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls
• five or more dead birds of any species

Contributed by
Sue Hetherington
27 November 2022