IMPORTANT - States Vets publish guidance on bird flu following two confirmed cases in Guernsey this weekend

Submitted by Steve on 14:35, 14th Jul, 2022 | 0

With continued cases of H5N1 avian influenza throughout the UK their Animal & Plant Department Agency have been sending out notifications of new cases in both wild and domestic birds and today the press release from the Guernsey States Vets of two confirmed cases the GSPCA want to ensure we all do what we can to help the birds of Guernsey and also our own health.

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “The GSPCA has been highlighting cases of bird flu since November last year and promoting how important that we all take extra precautions in the Channel Islands to ensure our pet and farm birds are as safe as possible from bird flu.”

"We all are fully aware of the importance of bio-security due to the challenges we all face with Covid-19 and especially here at the GSPCA where we have to care for animals that can arrive with zoonotic diseases."

“It is really concerning that two cases of the disease have been confirmed in two deceased birds found on the weekend as we are at the peak time in regards the numbers of birds we are asked to help.”

"Typically this form of the disease presents suddenly, often with very high mortality, with affected birds developing swollen heads, a blue colouration for those with a comb and wattles, dullness, lack of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhoea and significant drop in egg production."

“With 1,000 Sandwich Terns killed in Calais due to the disease it is a real concern for the birds on and using our shores and island.”

“Thankfully although we have tested those that have shown symptoms all results we have had have come back negative, but we are on high alert.”

“The current cases seem to be affecting sea birds more than poultry and pet birds, but it is important we all ensure biosecurity for those in our care.”

“We have had emergency meetings and been highlighting the importance of protective clothing from face coverings to gloves and how to approach and handle suspected cases of birds with the illness.”

“On the 10th June the New Scientist reported that ‘The H5N1 avian influenza has killed wild birds including cranes in Israel, Dalmatian pelicans in Greece, knots (a type of shorebird) in the Netherlands and now several UK seabird species, primarily gannets. More than 383,000 bird deaths from the virus have been counted by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) since October 2021.’”

“They also mentioned that ‘About 16,500 of a population of 43,000 Svalbard barnacle geese, which migrate between Scotland’s Solway Firth and Norway’s Svalbard, are estimated to have died during the recent winter, says James Reynolds at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, a UK charity.’”

“Handling deceased or sick birds can put you at risk as some strains of Avian Flu have been known to pass on to humans and protective clothing is extremely important.”

“If you find sick birds in Guernsey you can call us 24/7 on 01481 257261, but we are sadly unable to collect deceased birds as we are so busy due to the time of year and numbers of sick and injured animals with the warm weather, as well as orphaned baby birds and hoglets.”

“If you do find deceased birds on our shoreline and are concerned like with deceased dolphins and whales as they can pose a health risk you can call States Vets on 01481 221161.”

“We will of course update our website with any further alerts and the links we have online take your to the latest information available.”

To see previous stories on bird flu from the GSPCA please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/bird%20flu

Here is the release from the States Vets today -

The States Veterinary Officers have published guidance to owners of domestic poultry and members of the public following two confirmed cases of Avian Influenza (bird flu) in wild Herring Gulls this weekend in Guernsey.

Advice from the Deputy States Veterinary Officer, Grace Hodgkinson, states that owners of domestic poultry must:

ensure that wild birds (which include ducks, geese, sea birds, birds of prey, crows and magpies) cannot access feed, water, bedding and litter. This can be achieved by housing birds, creating netted, covered enclosures, covering feed and water or using treadle feeders, for example.
make their premises unattractive to wild birds by using visual bird scarers, removing any feed sources and blocking access to bodies of water.
implement good biosecurity measures so as to avoid indirectly infecting their birds. This can be achieved using disinfectant foot dips or changing footwear when entering pens, for example.
contact the States Vets if any of their birds develop symptoms or are found dead, by calling 01481 221161 or emailing [email protected].

Poultry keepers must take precautionary measures to protect their birds but there is no compulsory requirement to house birds. Poultry owners will need to decide if the welfare risks associated with housing their flocks are unacceptable based upon their facilities and current environmental conditions.

Any poultry owners who are not on the voluntary poultry register should register by completing the form available at gov.gg/animalhealth. This page also contains more information about Avian Flu.

The holding or carrying out of any show, display, fair, exhibition, competition or other event involving any gathering of poultry is prohibited.

If members of the public come across any sick birds, please contact the GSPCA by calling 01481 257261. If the public come across any dead birds of prey, sea birds or poultry they must not touch them and should contact the States Vets using the contact details above. If the States Vets are unable to answer your call, please leave a message with as much information as possible, including:

Location of the bird(s), including what3words if possible
Type of bird(s) (if known)
Contact details

If members of the public come across five or more dead garden birds or pigeons within a small area (e.g. the size of a small garden), they should contact the States Vets. If less than five garden birds are found dead, they should be collected safely by the individual using gloves and double bagged before being disposed of in general black bag waste. Guidance on how to do this safely can be found on www.gov.gg/animalhealth.

Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health, said:

'Bird flu is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds and there are many different types. Some strains of bird flu can pass to humans but this is extremely rare. It usually requires very close contact with an infected bird so the risk to humans is considered very low. However, it is really important that we follow the advice from the States Veterinary Officers and not touch any dead or sick birds, but contact either the States Vets or GSPCA.'

David Chamberlain, States Veterinary Officer, said:

'Having identified these two cases of bird flu this weekend, we're calling particularly on poultry owners to follow the guidance that has been provided for both the safety of their animals and also to prevent further spread to other wild birds.

'Members of the public also have an important role to play. If you come across dead or sick birds of prey, sea birds or poultry, please do not touch them, but instead contact us and provide us with as much information as you can.

'It's important to stress that bird flu is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public's health is very low. I'd like to thank members of the public in advance for their compliance with this guidance.'

The Bailiwick has several important breeding colonies for seabirds at locations including Les Etacs, the Humps, Lihou, the Pea Stacks and several other islets, which members of the public are already asked to avoid at this time of the year to prevent disturbance of the colonies. Given the confirmed presence of Avian Flu in wild birds found on Guernsey we ask members of the public, and particularly boat owners, to avoid visiting any areas where seabirds roost and nest.

Any ornithological related activities across the Bailiwick, including bird ringing or nest recording, should be cancelled immediately. We are grateful to local organisations such as the Channel Island Bird Ringing Scheme who have already voluntarily restricted their activities.

Steve continued “There are many ways you can help support our vital 24/7 work and donate or raise funds for the hundreds of animals in our care.”

“With over 100 hedgehogs, 4 seal pups, dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, fish, reptiles and many birds we help over 3000 animals through the doors every year.”

“If you would like to support our Amazon Wish List and see lists of items that we use every day and things that we are appealing for.”

“If would like to help with wish list items you can call us on 01481 25721 or email [email protected] or the easy way to see many items we are in need is by going to our Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/25MJPPDAGXHL1?type=WishList .”

“We do promote buying items locally but shopping online can help raise funds at the same time as if you select the GSPCA through easy fund raising part of the amount through 1000’s of online retailers comes back to the GSPCA and it has raised over £2500.”

“To sign up to do this please visit http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/guernseyspca/?u=1CHID8 .”

“Sadly Amazon Smile doesn’t allow Guernsey charities to sign up but you can go through easy fund raising to achieve the same donation.”

“As mentioned you can always chose to donate via local stores and the Amazon Wish List is a shop front showing some of the items we need but there are many others and we have published these on our Wish List page http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”

“A gift of a tiny bowl costing less than a £1 to a £600 intensive care unit, every donation is hugely appreciated and really makes the team smile that there are those that care and want to support our work.”

“Another amazing way to support our work is by just a couple of pounds each month can make a massive difference in helping the animals in our care and to find out more please go to http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf .”

“To make a donation you can go to https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA) .”

“Something for your diaries in 2023 we are running a Puffin Parade and to sponsor a 4 foot puffin with the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey go to - http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/2023-autism-guernsey-and-gspca-will-bring-puffin-parade-guernsey-%E2%80%93-could-you-sponsor-and-paint- “

“We couldn’t do so much without your support.”

Donate

Donate by calling 01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal

Puffin Patrol

In 2023 we are running a Puffin Parade and to sponsor a 4 foot puffin with the GSPCA and Autism Guernsey go to - http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/2023-autism-guernsey-and-gspca-will-bring-puffin-parade-guernsey-%E2%80%93-could-you-sponsor-and-paint-

Sponsored Event

Why not create your own sponsored event or challenge - https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

For lots more ideas why not visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising

Wish List

Check out our wish list page from the smallest of items to our biggest of projects there are many ways to support us - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list

To visit our Amazon Wish list to see some of the items we need to help the wildlife please visit - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/25MJPPDAGXHL1?type=WishList

GSPCA Wildlife Hospital Appeal

To make a direct donation please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/event/4618/Please-Support-the-GSPCA-Wildlife-Hospital-Appeal

To Buy a Brick in the new Wildlife Hospital and download a leaflet please click here - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Buy%20a%20Brick%20Wildlife%20Hospital.pdf

Larger donors or corporates may want to make a larger donation and become an Exclusive Build Partner and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner

Legacies & Bequests

By leaving a gift to the GSPCA in your Will really helps us to improve the lives of animals into the future. After providing for those you care for, please consider leaving a proportion of what remains to the GSPCA it is so appreciated and makes a real lasting legacy.

A gift like this to the GSPCA ensures our animals and those in Guernsey will always have someone to keep them safe. To find out more please http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding

Gift Aid on Donations over £500

To find out about the States of Guernsey tax relief information on gift aid up to 2020 on donations totalling between £500 and £5000 please see the details by going to https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=2617&p=0

2021 gift aid is from £500 and up to £7500 and here are the details - https://www.gov.gg/article/151830/Income-tax-relief

To download the form to claim for 2020 or before please follow this link https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1994&p=0

Become a sponsor and GSPCA member

Why become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor and support our work each month please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf

To become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf

Share our posts and follow us on social media

Many of you will have seen us on social media and your support liking and sharing our posts is really appreciated, and to visit our social media pages please go to

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GuernseySPCA

Twitter https://twitter.com/GSPCA

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gspca-guernsey-965b0751/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gspca_guernsey/

Subscribe to our Supporters Newsletter

To subscribe to our supporters newsletter and find out about upcoming events and news please go to https://us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9324335c87c8b3ec9f0016f2a&id=e61c951a08

In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if have any symptoms of Coronavirus and we continue visits to the Shelter for only essential reasons and to please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus

With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal

Below are our usual opening times but with the current challenges due to covid these are occasionally adjusted to ensure we provide the best of care for the animals and those needing our 24/7 help, in an emergency please call 01481 257261

	Reception & Shop area	Collecting/Dropping Off Boarding Dogs & Cats	Viewing animals for adoption	Emergencies Call 257261 or the Shelter is manned 24/7	GSPCA Charity Shop in Smith Street
Monday’s	11am – 4pm	11am – 4pm	11am – 4pm	24/7	8am - 530pm
Tuesday’s	11am – 4pm	11am – 4pm	11am – 4pm	24/7	8am - 530pm
Wednesday’s	11am – 4pm	11am – 4pm	11am – 4pm	24/7	8am - 530pm
Thursday’s	11am – 4pm	11am – 4pm	11am – 4pm	24/7	8am - 530pm
Friday’s	11am – 4pm	11am – 4pm	11am – 4pm	24/7	8am - 530pm
Saturday’s	11am – 4pm	11am – 4pm	11am – 4pm	24/7	8am - 530pm
Sunday’s	11am – 4pm	11am – 4pm	11am – 4pm	24/7	Closed
Bank Holiday’s (Varied times)	Possibly 11am – 4pm	Possibly 11am – 4pm	Possibly 11am – 4pm	24/7	Closed unless advertised