Kittiwakes particularly have actually been discovered dead on both land and sea and the reserve is being examined for a possible break out of Avian Influenza or ‘Bird ‘flu’.
The reserve has actually launched a declaration on social networks alerting visitors about the possible break out:
“We have had a number of bird deaths, specifically Kittiwakes, on the cliffs and sea at Bempton reserve, that are being investigated as Avian Influenza or ‘Bird ‘flu’. DEFRA has been informed.
“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 website is intending on remaining open, due to the threat to people being fairly low. The NHS state on their website that just in ‘rare cases’ does it impact human beings and ‘most’ pressures of the bird influenza ‘don’t infect humans.’
This assistance has actually been recommended by the reserve:
“The reserve will remain open, as risk of infection in humans is low.
“However, 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 DEPHRA website recommends that visitors must:
“Keep to the footpath, with dogs on leads.
“Do not feed wild waterfowl
“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 may collect some dead birds for surveillance testing. Otherwise, birds can be disposed of safely, if necessary, by the local authority or landowners.”
