Veterinary Services

Vets at SAC Consulting Veterinary Services regularly examine wild bird carcases if there is significant public concern, if there is a risk that a disease might be present that could spread to humans or livestock, or if poisoning is suspected. This work is supported by Scottish Government as part of its Public Good Veterinary and Advisory Services.

If a member of the public is concerned about wild bird mortality they should consult their local SAC Disease Surveillance Centre or Tom Pennycott at Ayr Disease Surveillance Centre (01292 520318).

There are three main strands to wild bird disease surveillance in Scotland:

• General wild bird disease surveillance
• Surveillance for avian influenza virus by wild bird ecologists and wardens
• Investigation of “mass mortality incidents”

General wild bird surveillance

Examination of dead birds found by members of the general public may be undertaken if there is significant public concern, if there is a risk that a disease might be present that could spread to humans or livestock, or if poisoning is suspected. Even the deaths of small numbers of wild birds may be significant if the circumstances are unusual. In the months April to November, samples may also be collected from the dead wild birds to screen for another virus that can spread to humans, West Nile virus.

Some important conditions diagnosed in wild birds as part of general wild bird surveillance include trichomonosis; salmonellosis; poisoning; and deaths in guillemots and razorbills. If five or more dead birds were found in the same location at the same time this would be treated as a “mass mortality incident” – see below.

Surveillance for avian influenza virus by ecologists and wardens

In addition to routine wild bird surveillance, surveillance for avian influenza viruses in wild birds is a European legislative requirement and is carried out by all European Member States. Further details about surveillance of wild birds for avian influenza virus can be found on the Scottish Government website.

The aims of the wild bird avian influenza survey are

• To detect highly pathogenic strains of avian influenza in wild birds by surveying dead birds; and
• To protect domestic poultry and safeguard public health, because avian influenza may be transmitted to humans

Wild bird ecologists and wardens patrol designated reserves across the UK to look for dead birds. A list of high risk species (mainly ducks, geese, swans, shore birds, sea birds and raptors) has been produced (link). Dead wild birds are screened because they are a convenient source of samples, but the likelihood that a dead wild bird is infected with avian influenza virus is very small.

Investigation of “mass mortality incidents”

Members of the public in Scotland can help with wild bird surveillance by remaining vigilant for “mass mortality incidents” in which five or more dead wild birds are found dead in the same location at the same time.

In Great Britain members of the public are asked to report such incidents to the GB Helpline (08459 335577), Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.

On dialing this number the incident will be logged and you will then be directed to the nearest SAC Disease Surveillance Centre. An assessment will then be made as to whether the deaths need to be investigated further.

Alternatively you may wish to report the incident directly to the local SAC Disease Surveillance Centre.

In the months April to November, samples may also be collected from dead wild birds to screen for another virus that can spread to humans, West Nile virus (link).

If you have to handle dead birds...

Wild birds can sometimes carry organisms such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and some strains of E. coli that could affect the health of humans, and should not be handled unless absolutely necessary.

If they must be handled, they should not be touched with bare hands but disposable gloves or improvised gloves such as plastic bags should be used. Wearing disposable gloves, the carcase should be placed inside a plastic bag that is then sealed and placed inside a second plastic bag. The gloves should then be removed and placed inside the second bag, and the neck of the second bag sealed. If disposable gloves are not available, small carcases could be picked up using a plastic bag as an improvised glove, turning the bag inside out and sealing it, and then sealing it in a second plastic bag.

In all cases, hands and any soiled clothing should be washed with soap and water as soon as possible. Until hands have been washed, people should not eat, smoke, rub their eyes, handle contact lenses etc.