Last winter saw us come into several Avian Influenza control zones due to local cases in poultry farms. This unfortunately led to our Raptor Hospital having to close its doors for several months as movement of birds was restricted.
We’re sure that our followers will have seen that Avian Influenza didn’t go away this year, as it usually does in the summer months. The virus has jumped from waterfowl and wildfowl species into seabirds, with devastating consequences for our internationally important seabird colonies on the British coast.
Birds of Prey are opportunistic, and will happily scavenge for food (why risk injury hunting an animal when you can feast off one that’s already dead?) Unfortunately, with councils unable to attend each suspected case of AI, many dead birds were left on fields and beaches, creating easy pickings for any carnivorous birds. Buzzards have been particularly badly hit, but we are also aware of cases in Red Kites, White-tailed Eagles and Tawny Owls.
Here at the Sanctuary, we have always ensured high standards of biosecurity to protect our birds, staff, volunteers and visitors. With local cases increasing again, we find ourselves in a Regional Control Zone. This means we have had to make some changes to maintain the safety of all.
We ended our flying displays earlier than planned following the news of this new Regional Control Zone. After seeking further guidance from APHA and DEFRA, we have resumed flying for some of our birds who would normally be part of our winter team. This daily exercise may take place on our flying ground where visitors are welcome to watch and ask our staff questions about the birds.
Our Raptor Hospital is open and accepting new admissions. We have strict biosecurity measures to minimise the risk of spreading any disease between wild patients and our captive birds. If you find a sick or injured bird of prey, please call us for advice.
IMPORTANT - although the risk to humans is minimal, please only handle wild birds using the appropriate PPE (gloves, overalls etc) and ensure thorough cleaning of hands and all surfaces after transport.
All entrance and exit points to the Sanctuary have had foot dips or baths installed. These contain a solution to kill off any virus to avoid the risk of it being walked in.
We ask that any visitors who keep domestic poultry or have been walking near rivers or wetland areas thoroughly clean their footwear before visiting us.
We have moved all of our bird baths to the undercover areas of their aviaries to avoid the risk of wild bird faeces making it’s way into them.
This information is correct on the date of posting, however, should there be any local outbreaks that put us into a Protection or Surveillance Zone then our birds will be grounded again and we may have to temporarily close our Raptor Hospital.
Please note - if you are within a Protection or Surveillance Zone, birds should not be moved to minimise the spread. If you are unsure, please call us for advice. You can check the APHA Interactive Map here.