Council chiefs have issued a bird flu warning after dead birds were found scattered along Ayrshire beaches.
South Ayrshire Council and North Ayrshire Council are urging the public to stay away after a number of deceased birds were discovered today.
Grim discoveries of the diseased animals have been made on Prestwick, Troon and Barassie beaches.
One shocked resident in Troon counted the carcasses of seven guillemots scattered along the shore at Barassie on Thursday night.
Another has told how two deceased gannets were found on Troon's South Beach.
Joy Melville says she reported her findings to DEFRA (The Department of Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs.) and South Ayrshire Council.
The leader of Friends of Troon Beaches also noticed dead birds had been discovered on Gailes beach in North Ayrshire.
Joy told Ayrshire Live: "I came across seven dead guillemots on just a very short walk.
"I could see there was more on the South to North Ayrshire boundary past the Barassie beach pumping station onto Gailes beach.
"South Ayrshire Council seem to have been really proactive in dealing with it, they were out today to clear the birds off the beach.
"It's a real worry at the moment. I noticed that Northern Ireland had a large outbreak affecting colonies.
"It's not just birds I worry about but people's dogs on the beach."
South Ayrshire Council has today issued a stark warning for members of the public to avoid any sick or wild birds that they may come across.
Ayrshire Live understands that South Ayrshire clean-up teams in hazmat protective suits have been out today picking up infected carcasses.
North Ayrshire Council has confirmed they are "working with partners" to ensure the safe removal of birds.
A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: "Some of you may have noticed that there are a number of deceased birds on our beaches in Prestwick, Troon and Barassie today. We suspect that that these birds have sadly fallen victim to Avian Flu.
"Our Trading Standards and Environmental Health (TSEH) team are aware of this and are working with our Waste Management team to remove the birds from the areas as soon as possible.
"As part of this process, they need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), so please don’t be alarmed if you see them while they are uplifting the birds.
A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: "We are working with partners to ensure the birds are safely removed. While Avian Flu poses a very low risk to humans, anyone finding a dead bird is asked to remember the following advice."
What South and North Ayrshire Council's have advised the public to do:
- Don’t touch any wild or sick birds you may come across
- Keep dogs and other animals away from the birds
- Avoid feeding wild birds, as this causes them to congregate and may encourage the spread of the disease
- Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings
- If you keep poultry or other birds, wash your hands and clean and disinfect your footwear before tending to your birds
- Please report any sightings to our Waste Management team on 0300 123 0900
Keepers of birds in South Ayrshire have been told they can find more information by visiting https://www.gov.scot/.../dead-or-sick-wild-birds-what-to-do/ Bird owners can also contact our TSEH team for advice on 0300 123 0900.
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