The Council of the Isles of Scilly is reminding all members of the public not to touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find and to instead report them to the Council or to the Wildlife Trust. This advice follows the UK’s Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer's declaration of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the region (including the Isles of Scilly) and a subsequent increase in reports of dead and sick wild birds on the islands.
How to report dead or visibly sick wild birds
To report a sick or deceased wild bird please notify the Council or the Wildlife Trust:
Council: 0300 1234 105 (option 5) or email Environment@scilly.gov.uk
Wildlife Trust: 01720 422 153
When calling, please provide a description of the bird and its location. You may wish to use the What3words service to pinpoint the location.
Further advice
Whilst the health risks to the general public are low, Public Health is also urging people not to feed wild birds to further reduce the risk and stop the virus spreading.
We would like to thank everyone for following the guidance and would ask that you continue to do so:
- Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds
- Keep dogs and other pets away from any dead or sick birds
- Do not feed wild birds
- Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with droppings
What if I keep poultry or other birds?
If you keep poultry or other birds, it is vital that you wash your hands, clean and disinfect your footwear before tending to your birds, and ensure that you are still following the good biosecurity measures for poultry and captive birds which can be read in full on the gov.uk website. If you keep birds and would like to be added to our email list for further guidance, please email environmentalhealth@scilly.gov.uk
What if I come into contact with a dead or sick wild bird?
If you come in contact with dead or sick wild birds and develop flu like symptoms, then please contact your GP or NHS 111. You can find more information about Avian Influenza on the NHS website.