Scientists find signs of immunity in shags and northern gannets.

Researchers have found that some seabird species are showing signs of immunity to the H5N1 strain of avian influenza.

Tests conducted on small sample groups of seabirds by the Government-funded FluMap research consortium have found protective antibodies in northern gannets and shags.

Although tens of thousands of wild birds are believed to have died from the virus this year in the UK, these antibodies could explain why some species seem to be less affected by the virus compared to last year.

While in 2022 northern gannets experienced an unusually high mortality rate at their main breeding colony of Bass Rock in Scotland, there were fewer reported deaths this summer.

The findings come at a time when the impact of the outbreak, which first hit the UK in October 2021, seems to be declining. So far this October, there have been no new confirmed cases of the virus in kept birds in the UK.

As part of its research, the FluMap consortium has also mapped the spread of the virus. Researchers found that the virus can only travel short distances of less than 10 metres, suggesting that it is very unlikely that the virus can be spread through airborne transmission between farms.

Following the initial success of the research, the Government has awarded the consortium £3.3 million in additional funding, with the investment coming from UK Research and Innovation’s Tackling Infections programme and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

A further £3.2 million has also been allocated for a sister consortium, which will focus on the potential for human transmission. The two consortia will work together in a One Heath approach

Lord Benyon, biosecurity minister, said: “Bird flu has been devastating on kept and wild birds. This has caused an emotional and financial toll on bird keepers and those who love our wildlife.

“That is why we are continuing to invest in world leading science to improve our understanding of this disease and inform future ways to prevent and control it."

UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss added: “I am delighted this research project has received further funding. Bringing together all our national experts increases the speed and quality of our understanding of avian influenza and how it behaves in the UK.

“This critical research will aid our development of further strategies to protect our birds and minimise the impact of this dreadful disease.”

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