As you may have seen featured on TV coverage or social media, the current outbreak of avian influenza is the worst the UK has ever experienced, and it is causing unprecedented damage to wild bird populations.
The current outbreak is caused by the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus H5N1 and is believed to have its origins in the epidemic that affected chickens and other captive birds over the last year. The virus spreads to other birds through contact with infected faeces, saliva, or nasal secretions.
Although we are not aware of any immediate concerns in the Sheffield and Rotherham area, The Wildlife Trusts nationally are extremely worried about the impact that this outbreak will have on already threatened wild bird populations and would like to ask people to take every precaution possible to avoid spreading HPAI.
If you find any dead birds or observe birds appearing sick which you suspect may be caused by Avian Flu, please call the DEFRA helpline as soon as possible on 03459 33 55 77.
If you observe any dead or sick birds on one of our nature reserves and have similar concerns, please call us on 0114 263 4335.
Please do not touch any dead or visibly sick birds that are found.