Stakeholder Meetings
Avian Influenza Bird Groups Meeting - Friday 18 November 2005 , 2:30 pm, Pentland House, Room 004
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Present
David Middleton - SEERAD
Ian Anderson - SEERAD
Ian Bainbridge - SEERAD
Charles Milne - SEERAD
Neil Ritchie - SEERAD
Martin Milarkey - SEERAD
John Peerless - SEERAD
Pamela MacKay - SEERAD
Mike Flynn Scottish - SPCA
Alex Hogg - Scottish Gamekeepers Assoc.
Colin Shedden - British Assoc. for Shooting & Conservation
Andy Douse - Scottish Natural Heritage
Julian Warman - Scottish Wildlife Trust
Mike Sharp - Veterinary Laboratories Agency ( VLA)
Grace McKenzie - VLA
Alistair Wood - VLA
Julian Inglis - RSPB
Paul Walton - RSPB
Charlie Donald - Aberdeenshire Council
Barti Synge - SAC
Peter Sherry - South Lanarkshire Council
1. Introduction
David Middleton welcomed stakeholders to the meeting to discuss the current Avian Influenza situation from the ornithological perspective and to allow them an opportunity to raise any issues with the SEERAD.
2. Overview of Global Situation including disease surveillance
Charles Milne gave an overview on Avian Influenza, its subtypes and its clinical symptoms. In light of the recent cases in Romania and Turkey he raised the possibility that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza may be transmissible by wild birds. However he confirmed that this was on the basis of circumstantial evidence. The risk of further global spread of Avian Influenza H5N1 is high but the risk to Scotland remains low. In light of this a number of surveillance initiatives have been introduced in recent years to monitor both domestic and wild birds. This surveillance has three strands including: ongoing programmes of domestic poultry sampling, wild bird sampling throughout Scotland and an investigation of mass wild bird die-offs. The EU has also introduced measures to restrict the spread of Avian Influenza including the introduction of restrictions on bird gatherings, poultry registration schemes and increased biosecurity.
In discussion, clarification was sought by some members on the characteristics of a mass die-off which should trigger a call to the surveillance scheme help line. Mass die-offs might involve large numbers of birds, but could also involve relatively small numbers. SEERAD preferred not to specify a threshold number; it was better to have too many calls to the helpline rather than too few. It was agreed that the general public should be encouraged to call the helpline but decisions as to whether or not samples should be taken should be left to veterinary judgement. This would be on a case by case basis.
3. Current Wild Bird Situation
Ian Bainbridge gave a brief overview of wild bird migratory patterns and their implications to the UK. Timeframes for wild birds returning from potentially infected countries were noted. He also made reference to previously recorded outbreaks in Asia and more recently in Croatia and pointed at poultry/human movements as one of the possible contributory factors in the spread of disease. He also encouraged stakeholders to remain involved in the current surveillance schemes and highlighted how the Executive could wish to draw upon their expertise.
4. Contingency Planning
Neil Ritchie described the Scottish Avian Influenza Contingency Plan. It was noted that this was specifically targeted at the discovery of Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu in domestic poultry. There was a discussion about what would happen if Avian Influenza was found in wild birds. The response would be for additional surveillance and heightened biosecurity amongst domestic poultry.
In discussion, issues were raised by members concerning the need to set out the response to the discovery of Avian Influenza in wild birds particularly on Nature Reserves. Potentially difficult decisions would be required on whether to close Reserves or prevent access to areas where dead wild birds have been found. SEERAD's contingency plan operates on the basis that the countryside would stay open during a disease outbreak. Private landowners would be responsible for their own decisions as to whether or not to close. SEERAD would only over-ride this if it was necessary for national disease control. It was agreed that the SEERAD would prepare a paper setting out what would happen for possible inclusion in the contingency plan. As part of the response SEERAD suggested convening a group of experts which could be activated quickly to provide ornithological advice to Scottish Ministers on any developing scenario and what response Government and Stakeholders could take. Group members were asked to send Pamela Mackay details of any potential issues they thought may be needed to be included in further development of our contingency plan.
5. AOB
Members also raised the issue of the general public contacting Local Authorities to have bird carcasses removed. Members were informed that the Scottish Executive was liaising with COSLA to identify local authority concerns and would be sending out advice to Local Authorities shortly
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