THE suspected bird flu outbreak across seabird populations in East Lothian has resulted in contractors being hired by East Lothian Council to dispose of the carcasses.
About 500 dead seabirds (primarily gannets) have washed up on beaches across the county in recent days, with large numbers spotted by members of the public at Yellowcraig and the beaches in North Berwick.
READ MORE: Avian flu: Co-ordinated efforts call as Bass Rock sees rise in gannet deaths
The Bass Rock, near North Berwick, hosts the largest northern gannet colony in the world, with many of the animals having been uplifted for testing to confirm if an avian influenza outbreak has occurred.
East Lothian Council has now hired a specialist contractor based in central Scotland to dispose of the bodies – but warned that the public might still encounter the animals.
A dead gannet near North Berwick - Gordon Bell
Signs have also now been erected to warn the public of the potential risks on county beaches.
READ MORE: Public warned about dead seabirds as bird flu fears grow
A council spokesperson said: “East Lothian Council has appointed a specialist contractor to dispose of the uplifted dead seabirds.
“Tidal movements will inevitably mean that some may wash up during the late evening into early morning but will be collected in due course.
“The advice remains for visitors not to touch or lift any birds themselves and to keep dogs on leads to avoid any possible cross-contamination of the animals spreading the disease.”
A dead gannet outside the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick
Susan Davies, CEO of the Scottish Seabird Centre was grateful of the council's quick response in uplifting the birds.
She said: “We are still seeing far more significant numbers of gannets dying on the Bass Rock than is usual which is extremely worrying.
"Confirmatory test results on the birds from the Bass Rock have yet to be received.
"We are working with NatureScot to ensure that the impact on the Bass Rock is properly assessed.
"We are grateful to East Lothian Council for quickly activating a co-ordinated response to remove dead gannets, and a small number of other birds, from the most popular East Lothian beaches.
"It’s really important that people continue to avoid touching dead or sick birds, although the risk to public health is considered low.”
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) also warned of going near dead birds, with large amounts of the same species in the same location being a potential indication of bird flu.
A SEPA spokesperson said: “If you find a dead bird of prey, three or more gulls or wildfowl (particularly wild geese, wild ducks, swans) or find five or more birds of any other species in the same location and at the same time, please do not to touch or lift the birds.”
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