S.O.S. OPERATIONS AND THE REGIONAL OUTBREAK OF BIRD FLU

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Avian Influenza (Bird flu)– Visitor & Rescue Guidance

The risk of Avian Influenza to people remains very low and is usually linked to prolonged contact with infected birds.

To protect both our visitors and our resident birds, simple biosecurity measures are in place across the Sanctuary. Foot dips are located at all entrances and we kindly ask visitors to use them around the site during your visit.

Behind the scenes, our team follows strict biosecurity, monitoring and enclosure-management procedures to safeguard the health of our birds and staff.

Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe.

With the continued risk of avian influenza, we’ll be very carefully triaging each case over the phone, and again on arrival, with an assessment in our separate triage area. This may mean we have to adapt or limit how we’re able to respond at times, in order to protect our resident birds at the center. 

However, our helpline will remain open as usual for any calls regarding injured or unwell birds of prey, and we will do all we can to help

Please be aware of the key signs of avian influenza below: 

  • Difficulty standing or loss of balance

  • Head tremors or seizure-like movements

  • Swelling around the head or eyes

  • Breathing difficulties or discharge from the mouth or nose

  • Appearing disorientated or unable to see properly

  • Found near multiple dead birds or large groups of waterfowl

  • Found nearby a body of water 

If you notice any of these symptoms, do not touch the bird - report it to DEFRA on 03459 335577.

A small bird of prey, possibly a hawk or falcon, perched on a log inside a room with gray walls.