THE number of birds arriving in the care of the Scottish SPCA has soared by 825% on last year amid avian flu fears.
Between December 1, 2020 and January 31, a total of 37 birds were admitted to Scottish SPCA centres, compared to just four for the same period a year ago. Meanwhile, the charity’s animal helpline saw a 280% increase in the number of calls about bird flu since it was reported to have entered the country in November, with 57 calls between November 1, 2020 and January 24, compared to 15 for the same time span the previous year.
It is thought the rise in calls and birds arriving in centres is due to fears over the risk of bird flu after cases were confirmed in Orkney and Fife.
The birds admitted to Scottish SPCA care included 22 cockerels, 11 hens and two ducks, with some abandoned as strays and others dropped off at the centres.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “The increase in the number of birds arriving with us is very concerning.
“There have been confirmed cases of bird flu infecting commercial poultry in Orkney but this has now been managed and there is no longer a threat.
“Recent reports confirmed avian influenza had infected kept game birds near Leven, Glenrothes. The Animal and Plant Health Agency is managing the situation and in order to limit the further spread of the disease, appropriate restrictions have been imposed and the remaining birds will be humanely culled under the Animal Health Act 1981.
“We would like to remind members of the public that the majority of cases of bird flu are being seen in migratory birds.”
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