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Organisations and partners in Scotland have actually been thanked by a federal government minister for their efforts to react to the continuous bird influenza break out in wild birds.
Speaking on a see to the Scottish Seabird Centre in East Lothian, environment minister Gillian Martin said that the last 2 years had actually been a few of the most difficult on record for wild bird populations and individuals who look after them.
In the year to September 30, 2022, monitoring information revealed bird influenza existed in 34 wild bird types in Scotland. In the spring and summer season of 2022, an overall of roughly 20,500 seabird deaths throughout 160 areas were reported to NatureScot.
It comes as the Scottish Government today released a brand-new Scottish Wild Bird Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Response Plan which sets out the multi-agency method to tracking and reducing the spread of the infection.
The strategy offers assistance to regulators, the public, those associated with animal rescue, scientists and academics and ecological non-government bodies on problems connecting to bird influenza in wild birds.
Ms Martin said: “The avian flu outbreak in wild bird populations across the globe is extremely sad and has been difficult for us all to witness.
“In most cases there is no alternative but to let the disease run its course, however the effectiveness of our multi-agency response in monitoring the spread of the virus can build our understanding of the outbreak and what mitigation measures might be helpful. The publication of this Plan is designed to support this.
“Our understanding of the outbreak in wild birds is also important in helping us to minimise the impact on kept birds and poultry, who we cannot forget have also been significantly affected by this virus.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank people across a variety of different government agencies, organisations, charities, local councils and the general public who have been working tirelessly over the last couple of years to respond to this unprecedented avian flu outbreak.”
