19 Feb 2024
Bird flu has caused a “catastrophic” fall in the number of seabirds in the UK, a study of breeding sites by the RSPB has found. In some species the charity said bird flu had “completely reversed” previously positive trends. The number of gannet nests at Grassholm in Pembrokeshire – the main colony in Wales and […]
02 Jan 2024
The Wildlife Trusts’ annual round-up of life in UK seas presents the highs and lows for 2023, including bait ball feeding frenzies and increased sightings of Atlantic bluefin tuna alongside the devastating impact of avian flu on seabirds. Dr Lissa Batey, head of marine conservation at The Wildlife Trusts, said: “2023 has been a historic […]
25 Jul 2023
Hundreds of seabirds have been washed up on beaches on the South Pembrokeshire coast. The birds are being regularly removed, although more are being washed up between the clear-ups. Most are guillemots, although razorbills and gannets have also been reported. Testing has taken place on a sample of the dead birds, and Avian Influenza (bird […]
14 Feb 2023
Four dead seals have tested positive for bird flu in Scotland, as the number of cases of highly pathogenic avian flu in mammals continues to grow globally with experts warning of “a step-change” in its spread. The largest ever bird flu outbreak had already spilled over into otters and foxes in the UK, with about 70 […]