Bird groups placed on avian flu-alert

The public, bird watchers and environmental groups have been asked to contribute to a survey of wild birds with serious diseases found across the UK.

The government said that a survey across the UK is being carried out to allow scientists to get a better picture of avian influenza viruses in wildfowl, in particular migratory wetland species.

This will include checking for the presence of the recent avian-flu virus (strain H5N1) on the discovery of a similar virus to that found in the Far East and Russia, although the government insists that the survey builds on work carried out for the last three years to examine dead wild birds for the presence of a number of diseases.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has set up a Helpline on 08459 335577 for anyone who sees unusually large groups of dead birds.

Defra, which has detailed contingency plans to limit the spread of and eradicate any potential outbreak of avian flu in poultry, has teamed up with ornithological and conservation groups to carry out the survey as part of a European-wide programme to monitor avian influenza viruses in wild birds.

The plan, agreed by the European Commission, comes after it was reported that wild bird populations may have been involved in the spread of avian flu from China and Mongolia to Eastern Russia.

Defra Chief Vet Debby Reynolds, said: "The risk of avian influenza spreading from eastern Russia to the UK via migrating birds is still low.

"However, we have said all along that we must remain on the look out for the disease. This surveillance programme is important to maintain vigilance.

"Most of the work will involve the staff of ornithological groups and we are very grateful for their invaluable expert advice and experience. This is a new partnership for the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy, with the focus on prevention better than cure.

"This survey of wild-caught birds and shot birds will last three months. It will give a better picture of the possible presence of an avian flu virus in waterbird populations. Work will continue after this date to investigate die-offs in wild birds.

"The results will be submitted to the European Commission and analysed with those produced by other member states in the New Year when it will then be decided what further work, if any, is necessary."

Defra maintains that the risk of high pathogenic avian influenza reaching the UK via migrating birds remains low but the department will be working closely with the RSPB, the British Trust for Ornithology, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation to monitor waterbirds for the infection.

(SP/KMcA)