New GB avian influenza wildlife interactive map and data dashboard launched
A new map and dashboard facility launched by APHA allows users to explore results from APHA’s avian influenza (AI) in wildlife surveillance programme in Great Britain.
Users can check out the APHA new interactive map of reported wild bird mortality and findings of avian influenza virus (bird flu) in wild birds and wild mammals. This enables you to see the clusters of AI cases, with breakdowns of case numbers and species involved in your local area over a selected time period – see the screen shot below for the Aberdeen cluster data from December 2022 to the November 2023. The interactive map is available here.
There’s also an interactive data dashboard of findings of AI virus in wild birds. So if you have reported a dead wild bird online or via the helpline (03459 335577), it enables you to check the status of your wild bird report by entering the location of your report or your Defra reference number (prefixed by WSF- or REP-) in the map's search box. Data in the map and dashboard will be updated weekly, collection information and test results may show as pending for recent reports. Follow this link to access the dashboard.
Further information:
Guidance on reporting dead birds
Find out more information on how and why APHA monitor avian influenza virus infection in wild birds and wild mammals in the Avian influenza
Reminder: Submission of captive and game birds
With the ongoing avian influenza outbreak in wild birds, there is an ongoing risk of infection in domestic and game birds. When mortality occurs and submission to a Disease Surveillance Centre is considered, we would really appreciate if the following steps could be followed:
- Please take a thorough history from your client prior to submission. If there is suspicion of avian influenza then APHA should be contacted prior to moving the bird(s) from the holding of origin.
- Please notify us directly in advance of submitting birds.
- Ensure your client submits birds in a carrier which they are happy to leave at the centre, and which cannot be returned. We need to avoid the risk of birds escaping during transfer between carriers outside of the PM room and once carriers enter the PM room, they cannot be returned.
In cases where a full history has not been provided in advance please be aware that your client may be asked to wait at the centre prior to unloading birds while we get a thorough history. Should we be concerned about avian influenza risk we will be required contact APHA prior to unloading the birds.
Posted by SRUC Veterinary Services on 23/11/2023
