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Guillemots hardest hit by avian flu in Scotland this summer
More than 3,500 guillemot mortalities were reported.

Data shows that seabirds still severely affected by outbreak.

The ongoing outbreak of avian influenza is continuing to hit seabird populations in Scotland, data released by NatureScot has revealed.

From 3 April to 1 October this year, a total of 9,610 dead and sick wild birds were reported. Most of the reports were from along the east coast.

Guillemot was the species with the most reported mortalities (3,519). Kittiwake was the second most affected species (3,367), followed by black-headed gull (834).

Tern species have also been significantly affected. At Forvie National Nature Reserve, more than 40 per cent of this year’s common, Sandwich, and Arctic tern chicks died, much higher than normal mortality rates.

Although overall deaths of seabirds in Scotland were low in spring, the number of mortalities started to increase in June and peaked in mid-July. At the peak, 2,300 sick and dead birds were reported in two weeks.

However, there was better news for great skua and gannet. Both experienced high mortality rates from avian influenza in 2022, but there have been far fewer reported mortalities this year.

NatureScot has suggested that gannets may have developed some immunity to the virus. Research is currently being conducted to find out more.

Eileen Stuart, NatureScot’s deputy director of nature and climate change, said: “With very few great skua and gannet deaths this summer, we are hopeful that some wild birds are building immunity to HPAI.

“But other species, such as kittiwakes and terns that were impacted last year, have still been greatly affected this year. The research we and our partners in the task force are doing will help us better understand why this might be the case.

“Our collective focus now must be on ensuring we have positive measures in place to support the recovery of species impacted by the outbreak – species which are already facing many pressures on their survival.”

Scotland’s Avian Flu Task Force is currently preparing for the arrival of wintering waterfowl. Last winter, Greenland barnacle geese on Islay, mute swans in Central Scotland, and herring gulls in the Firth of Forth all had high mortality rates.

 

Image (C) Shutterstock

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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.