Document sets out approach to monitoring and mitigating the spread of the virus.

The Scottish government has published its Scottish Wild Bird Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Response Plan, setting out how the government and its agencies will respond to outbreaks in wild birds.

Developed by the Scottish government and NatureScot, in consultation with the Scottish Avian Influenza Wild Bird Task Force, the document sets out plans to monitor and mitigate the spread of the disease, and includes guidance for regulators, animal rescuers, researchers, environmental non-government bodies and the general public.

The plan will be subject to review, taking on board the latest scientific advice and feedback from stakeholders and partner organisations.

The H5N1 strain of avian influenza reached the UK in October 2021 and has spread widely in wild birds, as well as affecting poultry and other kept birds. In the spring and summer of 2022, approximately 20,500 seabird deaths were reported to NatureScot across 160 locations.

So far this year, the number of wild bird deaths in Scotland has not been as large. However, in July, NatureScot reported a rise in reports of dead seabirds being washed up on the east coast. Species affected included kittiwakes, herring gulls, black-headed gulls, terns and guillemots.

A growing number of deaths have also been reported on the Isle of May National Nature Reserve.

On a visit to the Scottish Seabird Centre in East Lothian, environment minister Gillian Martin said: “The avian flu outbreak in wild bird populations across the globe is extremely sad and has been difficult for us all to witness.

“In most cases there is no alternative but to let the disease run its course, however the effectiveness of our multi-agency response in monitoring the spread of the virus can build our understanding of the outbreak and what mitigation measures might be helpful. The publication of this plan is designed to support this.

“Our understanding of the outbreak in wild birds is also important in helping us to minimise the impact on kept birds and poultry, who we cannot forget have also been significantly affected by this virus.”

The minister also thanked those in Scotland who have worked to reduce the impact of the current outbreak.

Ms Martin said: “I want to take this opportunity to thank people across a variety of different government agencies, organisations, charities, local councils and the general public who have been working tirelessly over the last couple of years to respond to this unprecedented avian flu outbreak.”

The full plan can be read on the Scottish government website.

Anyone in Scotland who sees more than a single dead bird of prey, swan, goose or duck, or five or more dead wild birds of any other species (including gulls), should report them online or phone 03459 33 55 77.

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