The RSPB say a number of bird deaths at the nature reserve are being investigated.
The nature reserve says it has had a number of bird deaths, specifically Kittiwakes, on the cliffs and sea at Bempton reserve and says they are being investigated as Avian Influenza or ‘Bird ‘flu’. DEFRA has been informed of the situation.
In a post on social media the nature reserve team say:
"The Kittiwakes (and many other species) will be leaving our cliffs in the coming weeks, quite a few of the young have fledged. While it is worrying, the birds affected are in a small localised area. It is hoped that the majority of the birds will leave the cliffs before the impact worsens."
The team say that the reserve will remain open, as risk of infection in humans is low, but they have issued the following advice.
"Please DO NOT touch or remove dead or dying birds, DOG WALKERS please keep your dog on a short lead to avoid contact with sick or dead birds. We have been advised, in order to keep our team safe, we should leave any dead birds where they are unless they pose a serious public health risk.
Thank you for your support and understanding through this trying time."
The advice on the DEFRA website says:
- Keep to the footpath, with dogs on leads
- Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds
- Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings
- If you keep poultry or other birds, wash your hands and clean and disinfect your footwear before tending to your birds
If you find any dead wild birds please report online or call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
APHA ( Animal and Plant Health Agency) may collect some dead birds for surveillance testing. Otherwise, birds can be disposed of safely, if necessary, by the local authority or landowners.
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