Scottish nature chiefs have launched a massive operation to protect Scotland’s seabird colonies from avian flu as many species are now returning to breed.
NatureScot officials along with charities like the RSPB have ramped up surveillance and monitoring of our wild birds as well as bolstering biosecurity measures on their island habitats.
Now, conservationists are anxiously waiting to see how the virus has impacted seabird populations this year.
It comes after unprecedented waves of bird flu around the world decimated Scots colonies like gannets and great skuas, with thousands of birds washing up dead.
NatureScot said monitoring over the autumn and winter months this year had shown a mixed picture - but added 2,800 sick and dead birds across 50 species had been reported since December.
The wildlife agency said barnacle geese in the Solway previously hard hit by bird flu in 2021-22 - with 13,000 birds dying - had returned this year.
However, on Islay the same species has struggled with data suggesting a loss of around 5,000 birds.
Other species that have suffered notable mortalities are pink-footed goose, herring gull and mute swan.
Eileen Stuart, NatureScot's Deputy Director of Nature and Climate Change, said: "A huge amount of work has been going on in the background with a wide range of partners to prepare for the return of our seabirds across Scotland.
“While we cannot predict what the impact of the virus will be this summer, these preparations will ensure that we can take swift coordinated action if necessary to give our seabirds the best possible chance.”
Scotland's Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Jesus Gallego said: "We will continue to work closely with NatureScot and our other partners to ensure that effective monitoring of species remains in place during the forthcoming breeding season.
"This surveillance is critical as it allows us to track both where the virus is in the country and what birds have been affected.”
Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science at Public Health Scotland, added: "Members of the public should not touch dead or sick birds unless they are wearing suitable protective clothing and know how to use it.
"The risk of getting avian flu in the UK from dead birds is low but not absent and people should therefore be cautious if they come across dead birds."
It comes as there has been a rise in mammals catching bird flu - although UK health chiefs insisted yesterday the threat to humans remains low.
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