Avian Flu Outbreak Leads to Temporary Closure of Bird Hospital

The confirmation of a bird flu outbreak in the vicinity of St Ives has prompted a trustee of a wild bird sanctuary in Cornwall to voice his “horror.” Jeremy Whitaker, who serves as chairman of the trustees for Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital and Sanctuary, stated that the facility has been temporarily inaccessible to the public following the confirmation of avian influenza at a farm situated near Rosudgeon on Sunday. According to Mr. Whitaker, rigorous biosecurity protocols have been implemented, encompassing the pre-testing and quarantining of birds prior to their admission, diligent housekeeping, and the provision of foot baths for all individuals accessing the premises. In August 2022, birds under the hospital’s care necessitated culling subsequent to a bird flu case being identified on the premises. He commented: “Fortunately, we’ve got fewer birds on site at this time of year, so the situation is easier for us to manage; but we are by no means complacent, given what has happened previously.” The government verified that the incident at the commercial poultry farm near Rosudgeon represents the initial occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 – identified as the primary strain – for the current season. It was reported that all poultry present on the farm underwent humane culling. Mr. Whitaker remarked: “I think in the UK the feeling is very much now that it [bird flu] has become endemic in the environment, so the risk is there and flares up most commonly in the winter months.” He cautioned members of the public who observe sick wild birds to “steer clear” and to prevent children or animals from making contact with such birds. Despite the hospital’s closure, its personnel remain available to provide guidance regarding unwell birds through telephone, social media, its website, and email, he further noted.