The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) Island wardens and researchers have been closely monitoring the numbers and breeding success of Skomer and Skokholm’s seabirds all season. This work is conducted annually and is of vital importance as we strive to protect our internationally important populations. The detailed knowledge and data we have built over many years has become even more crucial this year as we remain on high alert for the signs and impacts of Avian Influenza on Welsh seabird colonies.
The good news is that as of mid-August WTSWW’s Skomer and Skokholm remain clear of the Highly Pathogenic strain of Avian Influenza (H5N1) which has been causing devastation in seabird colonies across the UK and Europe this summer. However we were saddened to hear the grim news that Northern Gannets on RSPB Grassholm island, just 6 miles west of Skomer and Skokholm, tested positive for HPAI last week. We will do everything we can to support our friends who manage Grassholm as we move into what is a very concerning time for the Pembrokeshire seabird colonies.
Alongside other environmental charities, we continue to work closely with the Welsh Government agencies, including Natural Resources Wales. We have a rapid reporting network in place for any concerns or suspicions of HPAI from sites across Wales and contacts at DEFRA who can respond quickly if we do face issues. This is a rapidly developing situation and the position can and has changed over the last ten days. Although most of our seabirds have left the islands for the season, Manx Shearwaters and Storm Petrels have another month or more on land and remain potentially vulnerable to the spread of this terrible disease.
We are asking members of the public to remain vigilant to Avian Influenza. It is highly transmissible to other birds, and whilst the risk to human health is currently small, it is very real. It can also pass to pets, domestic animals, and other wild animals. Here is what you should do:
- DO NOT TOUCH ANY SICK OR DEAD BIRDS
- Under no circumstances bring dead or sick birds indoors
- If you find 1 or more dead bird of prey or owl, 3 or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), or 5 or more dead birds of any species you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77)
- Stop feeding birds in your garden if you see any sick or dead birds
- Clean bird feeders regularly with mild disinfectant, remove any old bird food and allow as much space as possible between feeders
- Change the water in birdbaths daily
