Bird Flu Testing Resumes In Alderney

Thursday, 20 April 2023 06:59

Officials have begun testing dead sea birds for the H5N1 virus after thousands of gannets died last year.

The rocks off just Alderney's west coast, Les Etacs and Ortac, are the summer home of what's estimated to be more than 1% of the world's gannet population, with more than 6,000 and 2,700 pairs respectively.

Last year, bird flu claimed the lives of as many as a quarter of them.

They have returned again this year, and there are hopes they're building a natural resistance to the H5N1 strain.

The Alderney Wildlife Trust will be monitoring them through remote cameras, which are also on Burhou, to film the puffins.

Testing of any dead sea birds found on Alderney's beaches has begun again, to determine how many are dying of the virus.

People are being warned not to touch the birds, nor to let their dogs disturb them, but to report their location to the States so that they can be collected.

It is stressed that the risk of the virus 'jumping' onto humans is low.

Separately, dog owners are being reminded that palm oil is washing up on beaches, and to make sure their pets don't eat it, as it can be fatal.

States Public Works, who will come out to remove dead sea birds, can be called on 01481 820080.