Bird flu Scotland: More than 1,000 dead seabirds removed from beaches in Aberdeenshire in suspected outbreak

Members of the public trying to assist in the clean-up of more than a thousand dead birds amid a suspected avian flu outbreak are being advised not to bury or bin their carcasses.

More than 1,000 dead birds have been collected from beaches around Aberdeenshire in a suspected avian flu outbreak.

Aberdeenshire Council confirmed 1,040 dead seabirds were removed from the region’s coast over the past few days.

Staff confirmed they have so far collected 520 dead birds from Stonehaven Beach, along with a further 120 from Cruden Bay, more than 150 from Balmedie Beach, and 250 from Inverbervie Beach, with collections still ongoing in the area.

More than 1,000 dead seabirds have been found on beaches across Aberdeenshire in what is suspected to be a devastating outbreak of bird flu in the area (David Cheskin/PA)

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It comes after bird flu infections were confirmed at Inchdrewer Farm, near Banff, on Sunday.

Members of the public trying to assist in the beach clean-up of the dead birds have been advised to leave the task to the local authority staff.

An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said: "A year on from the previous outbreak, our frontline crews have been kitted out in full PPE [personal protective equipment] to carry out the safe removal of hundreds of birds, which, it is suspected, carry avian influenza, and we thank them for all their efforts once again.

"Our thanks also go to a number of our own staff from various services who have come forward and volunteered to assist with future collections as and when required.

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“We have heard reports of people trying to assist in the clean-up by burying or binning bird carcasses, but please – for your own safety – leave the disposal to us.”

Testing is being carried out to determine the exact cause of death as Scotland's avian flu taskforce remains on "high alert".

Aberdeenshire Council thanked those who had been reported sightings as the authority said it had allowed the teams to "quickly map out and prioritise removal of the birds".

A council spokesperson said: "We will be getting to all these areas just as soon as we can. Again, please be assured that our beaches are still safe to enjoy this summer and the threat of transmission to humans is very low."

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What is the safety advice on bird flu?

The advice states: “Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds. Do not feed wild waterfowl. Keep pets/dogs away from any dead or sick birds.

“Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with droppings.

“If you find a live sick bird, call the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999 – but do not take it to one of the charity’s animal rescue and rehoming centres.

“If you keep poultry or other birds, it is vital that you wash your hands and clean and disinfect your footwear before tending to any animals.

“Sightings of dead birds can be reported via the government website or by phoning the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) helpline on 03459 33 55 77.”