Public asked for vigilance as Lewis cases confirmed

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 has been confirmed in the Western Isles, after three Great Skua carcasses tested positive in Lewis.
The RSPB says the current outbreak of HPAI is the worst ever seen in the UK, and is affecting a large number of birds and running over an unusually long period of time.
Although there have been several reports of dead birds locally, at the time of going to print, there were no confirmed cases in Uist, but the RSPB warns that the situation is liable to change.
Robyn Stewart, RSPB’s Lewis-based Species and Habitats Officer told Am Pàipear: “It is deeply concerning to have cases of avian influenza confirmed in the Western Isles. This highly pathogenic strain is causing mass mortalities in a range of wild birds and is severely affecting Scottish seabird colonies this summer. At present, Shetland and Orkney are the worst affected but St Kilda and Bass Rock are seeing outbreaks too, as are a wide range of other coastal areas.
“So far, the outbreak is hitting Bonxies (Great Skua) hardest with initial population counts in the Northern Isles indicating that their numbers have declined by 64-85%. Given that Scotland holds 60% of the global population of Bonxies, this catastrophic decline could have serious implications for the future of this iconic seabird. Declines of 16-25% of gannets are also being recorded in Scotland and outbreaks of the disease are being seen across their range from Canada to Norway.”
The risk posed to human health by the current H5N1 strain is considered to be extremely low, and associated with domestic or commercial poultry rather than wild birds, but several people have been infected around the world, leading to a number of deaths.
Scottish Government has issued the following advice to members of the public:
“Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find. If you find three dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), three dead birds of prey, or five or more dead wild birds of any other species (including gulls) at the same place at the same time, you should report them to Defra’s national GB telephone helpline: 03459 33 55 77.”
Scottish Government is also asking poultry keepers to review biosecurity measures, particularly in those areas thought to be at high risk. Compulsory poultry housing orders, in place since November 2021, were only just lifted in May this year but, if the outbreak continues or worsens, the same measures may well be in place again soon.
The RSPB is advising that dogs should be kept on a lead when walking in areas where Avian Flu is suspected.
Southern Isles Veterinary Practice issued the following statement for pet owners:
“Transmission of H5N1 is usually via the respiratory mucous membranes – eyes, mouth and nasal chambers – so don’t allow your dog to roll in any dead carcasses or cats to ‘play’ with garden birds behaving oddly.
“Be minded that the H5N1 virus can survive for up to six months in cool, damp conditions (as in a typical west of Scotland summer) and water sources. The virus has a lipid coat (as in the case of coronavirus) so soap and water and sensible general hygiene should be adequate if contamination is a possibility.
“Please note that most animals coming in contact with the virus would develop no disease. For the few that might, signs are high fever, respiratory distress, nasal discharge and/or neurological signs- usually associated with loss of balance and abnormal gait.
“If you have any concerns or if your pet becomes unwell, please contact us on 01870 602262.”