April 27, 2023

UK closes Farne Islands following avian flu found among bird population

The United Kingdom's Farne Islands are to remain closed until the end of the summer after avian flu was detected among the local bird population.

The islands, off the coast of Northumberland, will be closed to landings until the end of August, the National Trust said.

Last year, avian flu killed more than 6,000 birds on the islands. Guillemots and kittiwakes were impacted the most, with 3,542 and 818 killed by the virus, respectively.

The National Trust warned that collected dead bird tolls from last year were "just the tip of the iceberg" as many carcasses will have fallen from the cliffs into the sea.

Harriet Reid, lead ranger for the Farne Islands, said there is a "strong likelihood" thousands more birds will be affected this year.

"Avian influenza was rife on the islands last year and it was very distressing to see these precious seabirds impacted by the disease," she said. "Sadly, with confirmed cases, there is a strong likelihood that we will see thousands of birds affected by the virus again this year. Many of the species we care for are rare or struggling already due to climate change.

"By restricting access to the islands for visitors and limiting disturbance – which can cause distress to sick birds and potentially increase the transmission of bird flu – we hope to give the birds the best chance of survival."

- Yahoo! News