UPDATED: 16 Dec 2022

Large of wild birds continue to be affected around Scotland’s islands and coastlines by Avian Influenza (bird flu). 

Bird flu has now been confirmed in 37 bird species in Scotland including herring gulls, several geese (barnacle, pink-footed, greylag), mute swans, guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills and puffins.

Dozens of dead great skuas (bonxies) were recorded by our team on Handa Island Wildlife Reserve and sadly, this trend is being reported in other bonxie colonies on Shetland, Fair Isle, Orkney, the Western Isles, the Flannan Isles and St Kilda.  

There are already several severe pressures on Scotland’s seabirds, including climate change and overexploitation of our seas. With seabird populations having halved since the 1980s, further pressure from a severe outbreak of bird flu is concerning. 

Cases of infection in mammals

Some mammals have also been infected by this strain of the avian influenza virus (H5N1) and have died as a result. It is believed that the route of infection for these cases was close contact with infected birds. Such species include red foxes, otters, grey seals, harbour seals and harbour porpoise.  

What can you do about bird flu?

Bird flu is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect signs of any notifiable diseases, you must report it immediately to your local Field Services Office.

For wild birds, you should call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) or submit your finds through the online reporting system if you find:

• one or more dead bird of prey or owl
• 3 or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks)
• 5 or more dead birds of any species

For dead marine animals that wash ashore, including seals and cetaceans, contact the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS). For live marine animals that may be sick or injured, keep your distance and contact the SSPCA.  

The risk to human health from the virus is currently low but it is important not to touch any birds or mammals which are either dead or visibly sick. Please also keep pets away from sick, injured or dead animals.  

For the latest advice on how to spot and report the disease please check the Scottish Government website.