Avian 'flu has now been confirmed at Herefordshire farm: https://herefordtimes.com/news/23191524.bird-flu-farm-near-ross-on-wye-…

This is hugely worrying for our wild bird populations. Thousands of birds across the UK have already been lost to this disease this year with serious effects to populations of vulnerable species.

Advice from Defra is to report:

• 1 or more dead birds of prey (such as an owl, hawk or buzzard)
• 3 or more dead birds that include at least 1 gull, swan, goose or duck
• 5 or more dead wild birds of any species

Full details of when, and how, to report dead birds can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds

The Wildlife Trusts are calling for:

• A new approach to poultry farming – intensive units that house thousands of hens and other domestic birds in barns are known to exacerbate the problem of contagious diseases, by providing ideal conditions for emerging pathogens to develop, which can then spread to wild birds
• Government to develop a national strategy to help wild bird populations recover
• Clearer Defra guidance on wild bird carcass removal and disposal in high-risk areas
• Effective monitoring, surveillance, research and reporting systems in place to build real-time understanding of the virus and its progress in wild birds
• Resilience built into vulnerable populations through recovery and conservation measures. This includes avoiding damaging development at sea and reduction of seabirds killed in bycatch.
• Government to issue a moratorium on releasing large numbers of non-native gamebirds when avian flu is present across the country
• More investment into how and why this is happening, to stand the best chance of avoiding similar tragedies in the future
• More resources for wildlife and nature charities to help with monitoring and tackling the problem

Read more: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/news/more-action-needed-combat-and-cope-avian-flu