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Fewer seabirds return to Scotland after flu outbreak
Researchers are continuing to count and monitor the activities of the birds.
NatureScot has ‘cautious optimism’ as species slowly return.

Some seabird species that were hit by an outbreak of avian influenza last year have begun to return to Scotland this breeding season, but in significantly lower numbers.

The research, by NatureScot and its partners, suggests that the great skua has been the hardest hit, with an estimated 90 per cent of the population on Hermaness being lost. Sixty per cent of the great skua breeding population is supported in Scotland.

In response to the drop in population, ringing and researching the great skua has been temporarily suspended to minimise disturbance of the remaining population.

The behaviour of terns is also being closely monitored, as researchers report unusual behaviours from the birds.

The study shows fewer terns have returned to Scottish sites than usual, and those that have returned came later than expected. Nesting was also late, and in many places the terns have not nested at all.

NatureScot is viewing the situation with ‘cautious optimism’, as the death rate has dropped since last summer and affected species are beginning to return.

The latest outbreak of the virus has largely affected breeding colonies in the south of the UK, where at least 10,000 black-headed gulls are estimated to have died of the virus.

NatureScot says it is currently unclear why this outbreak is not affecting colonies in Scotland.

Researchers are continuing to count and monitor the activities of the birds, as well as conducting targeted surveys of breeding seabirds to better understand the impact of the outbreak.

Alastair MacGugan, a NatureScot wildlife manager, said: “It is too soon to draw firm conclusions about the impact of last year’s terrible losses, but the low numbers of great skua and terns returning to our shores is certainly concerning and something we are keeping a very close watch on.

“The good news is that, in Scotland at least, we are not seeing the large numbers of dead birds around breeding sites that we did last year. This may mean that the remaining birds have gained some level of immunity to the virus. If so, then there is cause for optimism as populations may begin to slowly replace the losses that occurred last year.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.