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Martin Mere Wetland Centre Temporarily Closed Due to Suspected Avian Influenza
The suspected case was reportedly found in 1 of the Centre's collection birds. This closure comes at a critical time of year as thousands of migrating wild birds are heading to the centre on their annual journey to winter refuges. We understand that the Centre is currently assessing the situation and is:- "working with the relevant Government agencies and taking preventative measures to prevent the spread of the disease. The protection of returning birds, staff, and the public is stated as their ultimate priority." What is Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)? Avian Influenza (AI), or bird flu, is an infectious disease of birds caused by influenza A viruses. These viruses naturally circulate among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and mammal species.
Transmission - AI viruses are shed in the droppings and respiratory secretions of infected birds. They can be spread through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated equipment, vehicles, clothing, or footwear. Wild birds, particularly waterfowl, are often the reservoir for the viruses.
Severity - AI viruses are generally classified as low pathogenic (LPAI) or highly pathogenic (HPAI) based on their ability to cause disease. The H5N1 strain, which has caused recent international concern and is often associated with outbreaks in the UK, is a type of HPAI and is particularly dangerous to birds.
Signs of Avian Influenza in Birds... Recognizing the signs of bird flu is crucial for quick reporting and control. Signs can vary widely depending on the strain and the species of bird, but key indicators in domestic poultry or wild birds often include...
Clinical Signs in Birds:- Sudden death - This may be the only sign, particularly with highly pathogenic strains, which are:- swollen head, eyelids, comb, and wattles. Purple discoloration of the:- comb, wattles, and legs. Respiratory distress - Coughing, sneezing, gurgling, and nasal / ocular discharge. Nervous signs - Tremors, paralysis, twisted neck, or unusual positioning. Lethargy and depression - Birds appear:-quiet, listless, and unwilling to move. Reduced appetite and water intake. Significant drop in egg production or the laying of soft shelled or misshapen eggs.
Diarrhea.If multiple wild birds are found sick or dead in the same area, this should be reported immediately.
Public Health and Local Response
Risk to the Public...
The risk to the public from bird flu is generally considered very low. Most strains of the virus do not infect humans easily. However, in rare cases, certain HPAI strains, like H5N1, can infect people who have had close, prolonged, or unprotected contact with infected birds or heavily contaminated environments.
Local Bird Keeper Requirements
Local bird keepers in a:- 2 mile radius (approximately kilometre) Protection Zone and a:- 6 mile radius (approximately 10 kilometre) Surveillance Zone (the radii of which are typically set by the UK Government) must now adhere to strict biosecurity and movement restrictions as mandated by the relevant Government agencies (like DEFRA in the UK). These restrictions usually include:-
Housing or Netting - Moving all captive birds indoors or ensuring they are kept strictly separate from wild birds, often by using solid roofs and netting.
Movement Restrictions - Placing a ban on the movement of poultry, eggs, meat, and poultry waste out of or into the zones, except under licence.
Biosecurity - Implementing rigorous biosecurity measures, such as:- disinfection of clothing, footwear, and vehicles when entering and leaving bird premises.
Reporting - Legally required to report any signs of disease in their flocks immediately.
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust has issued the following statement:- "We have unfortunately had a possible case of avian influenza in our collection birds at the centre. This is a live and quickly changing situation, so please do keep an eye on this page for further updates, which we'll share as soon as we have them. We are working with the relevant government agencies and are taking measures to prevent the spread of this bird disease. Protecting the birds in our care and those returning for winter refuge on our reserve, as well as ensuring the safety of our visitors and staff, is our utmost priority. If you have booked to visit us, admission tickets will be valid on any alternative date when we reopen. If you’d prefer to receive a refund, please contact our Supporter Services team on:- tickets@wwt.org.uk. If you're booked onto an event, we'll be in touch via email and arrange a refund in 7 working days."
If you find a sick or dead bird out in the wild, please do not touch it or pick it up. Please report via Defra. More information please visit:- Gov.UK.
More information about the Centre can be found online at:- WWT.Org.UK.
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