Avian flu outbreak confirmed at vital seabird colonies in Wales | Bird flu

An outbreak of avian influenza has been confirmed in one of the world’s most important areas for seabirds with hundreds of guillemots, razorbills and gannets discovered washed up on beaches in south-west Wales.

Members of the public visiting the Pembrokeshire coast have been urged not to handle dead or sick birds and keep dogs away from them.

Pembrokeshire county council said on Thursday: “Hundreds of seabirds have been washed up on beaches on the south Pembrokeshire coast recently. The birds are being regularly removed, although more are being washed up between the clear-ups. Most are guillemots, although razorbills and gannets have also been reported.

“Testing has taken place on a sample of the dead birds, and avian influenza (bird flu) has this week been confirmed. A multi-agency response is in place to deal with the issue.”

The coast and islands off Pembrokeshire provide vital habitats for colonies of seabirds.

Skomer, for example, has internationally important colonies of puffins and Manx shearwaters and was a star of the Sir David Attenborough BBC series Wild Isles earlier this year.

The outbreak comes at an unfortunate time for the area, with thousands of visitors heading there for summer holidays.

James Parkin, the director of nature and tourism at Pembrokeshire Coast national park authority, said: “We anticipate an increase in the numbers of birds being washed ashore following the recent bad weather and we are urging people not to handle any dead or sick wild birds they may come across, to keep their dogs away, and to follow the advice provided in reporting any incidents.”

Lisa Morgan from the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales said: “It is really important that members of the public don’t touch dead or sick birds but also that they help us to understand the conservation impacts on our internationally important seabird populations by continuing to report any they might find.”

Rhian Sula, National Trust Cymru’s general manager for Pembrokeshire, added: “We are saddened by the discovery of dead birds across some of the beaches we care for in Pembrokeshire. We know it’s distressing for people to see sick and dead birds and will continue to work closely with partner organisations and government agencies to monitor the situation.”