On the 19th of August 2022 DEFRA confirmed an avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak on site, which resulted in the euthanasia of all birds and the Hospital having to close for 12 months; as per the instruction of APHA. This had a devastating impact on the staff and the charity. During this closure, extensive work was undertaken to ensure Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital Cornwall could reopen, stronger than ever, with new facilities and policies implemented. To support our refurbishing and renewal, please visit the Support Us tab.
The Hospital set up a temporary site to work from starting in June 2023. This site was much smaller than the original in Mousehole and consequently, the decision was made to only admit and care for 2023 year’s brood of young herring gulls. There were several biosecurity measures implemented to ensure we could admit gulls safely. This included the need to submit a photograph of the herring gull chick to us to enable an initial triage process, before travelling to our temporary site.
We were only able to admit herring gull chicks, no other birds. To get help for other species (such as garden birds, pigeons and corvids like jackdaws and crows) we encouraged people to visit the Wildlife Directory at https://helpwildlife.co.uk/ to find their nearest rescue. Your local vet also has a legal responsibility to provide first aid to all wildlife – including birds, even during this avian influenza outbreak. We advise that any bird presenting with extensive injury (i.e. suspected broken bones) should be taken to a vet immediately unless advised by a rescue otherwise.
For the latest Avian Influenza Guidelines please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england
Brian O’Neill, Consultant in Public Health at Cornwall Council, said: “Bird flu is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to people’s health is low. But that’s not to say we shouldn’t be doing everything we can to stop it spreading so that risk becomes even lower. As well as not touching them, we would also strongly urge people not to feed wild birds at their local ponds, lakes and rivers as large gatherings of birds make transmission of the virus more likely.”
If you find the following:
•1 or more dead birds of prey gull, swan, goose or duck in the same place
•5 or more dead wild birds of any species in the same place
You should report it to DEFRA: 03459 33 55 77
To minimise the spread of Avian Flu:
• Keep to footpaths, with dogs on leads
• Do not feed wild waterfowl
• Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds
• Do not touch feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings