Over the last 7 days we have seen a spike in dead seabirds washing in on Welsh beaches. The worst affected areas have been close to the HPAI Positive tern and gull colonies in North Wales, but we are now seeing hundreds of dead Guillemots coming ashore from Pembrokeshire round to Gower. You should be aware that with the stormy weekend weather birds could wash in just about anywhere.
Although we are still awaiting the Avian Influenza test results from the Pembrokeshire Guillemots, HPAI has been confirmed in samples from North Wales. To limit the public health risk we have to assume all have HPAI for the time being.
The key messages:
- Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick wild birds that you find.
- Keep you dogs on a lead and away from any dead or sick wild birds.
- If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them using the online system or to the Defra helpline: 03459 33 55 77
- Depending on your location you can also contact your Local Council who will do their best to collect carcasses safely, especially from public places.
- If you find any sick or injured wild birds please contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
Lisa Morgan, Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales