A new report into the impact of avian flu on wild birds claims long-term conservation measures will be the best way of tackling the virus.
The winter of 2021/22 saw more than 13,000 barnacle geese along the Solway Coast lose their lives to the virus, with reports of swans also been killed across the region.
A sub-group of NatureScot’s scientific advisory committee analysed the avian flu outbreak across the country, which began in late 2021, to provide advice to support the work of Scotland’s avian flu task force.
They found that the virus will continue to be an issue among wild birds beyond this year’s nesting season, with the most effective solution being long-term conservation measures along with enhanced disease surveillance, demographic monitoring and continued research.
The study also found that once avian flu is present in a wild bird population, it is difficult to control or reduce, with measures such as carcass removal or reducing human activity having a limited impact.
A NatureScot wildlife manager, Alastair MacGugan, said: “Although there’s no silver bullet to solve this complicated dilemma, this report will be a great help as the avian influenza task force plan action to reduce the effect of avian flu on Scotland’s important populations of wild birds.
“This is an upmost priority for our partners and ourselves, as the geographic scale, range of species of wild birds affected, and severity of impacts may threaten the very survival of some species.
“We have already stepped up our collaborative monitoring work in Scotland, and will continue to build on the recommendations in this vital report to make sure seabirds in Scotland have the best chance possible to rebound from the effects of this disease.”
The report found that avian flu was first discovered among the Svalbard barnacle goose population on the Solway in October 2021. It is estimated 13,200 birds – around a third of the population – were killed by the virus.
There is anecdotal evidence to suggest the breeding population in Svalbard last summer was down by 30 per cent, with signs the virus was still circulating.
But data from last winter suggests the geese had “a very good breeding season”. However, their peak on the Solway was 30,958, compared to the 202/21 peak of 43,703.
The report adds the virus “still seems to be circulating at low levels although there have been very few reports of dead geese on the Solway over the winter of 2022/23”.
“We were pleased to be able to collaborate with a range of experts and advise on the route we need to take to better understand this avian flu outbreak and help manage seabirds into the future.”
