THE Scottish SPCA has urged the public not to bring birds to them following an outbreak of bird flu.

The organisation has introduced new measures in response to the spread of avian flu which has decimated seabird and waterfowl populations in some parts of Scotland.

It will now not admit wild birds to the National Wildlife Rescue Centre until further notice and is urging members of the public not to bring any sick or injured birds to the centre or to animal rescue and rehoming centres.

Last month, Safer Communities Fife issued a plea for walkers to avoid birds after bird flu cases had been confirmed in the Kingdom.

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Avian flu has circulated throughout bird populations globally for almost two decades with varying degrees of severity.

"The current outbreak is far and away the worst in terms of transmission and mortality rates. It has been so sad to see the devastation it has caused, particularly among internationally renowned seabird colonies.

“This decision is tough but necessary to protect the hundreds of wild birds currently in our care. Our inspectors and animal rescue officers have responded to reports of thousands of birds in need this year, and they will continue to do so. We will do everything we can for every bird we attend to.”

Scotland’s animal welfare charity currently has over 700 birds in its care. Wildlife experts at the Scottish SPCA are concerned about the possibility of admitting a bird with avian influenza to the National Wildlife Rescue Centre.

The incubation period for this highly pathogenic strain is two to eight days, meaning a bird could be admitted and spend several days in care without displaying symptoms before becoming unwell.

Mike added: “We have really robust bio-security and isolation measures in place, but the sheer scale and the rapid spread of this outbreak of avian influenza means we have to take this action.

“One positive case in our rescue centre could mean tens of thousands of hours spent treating all of the birds currently in our care are wasted, as government guidelines mandate all birds could be put to sleep to prevent the disease spreading.

"The likelihood is we would have to close the centre entirely, jeopardising the wellbeing of not just birds but lots of other animals too.”

The Scottish SPCA is in regular discussions with the Scottish Government, DEFRA and other stakeholders responding to the avian flu outbreak.

It says the temporary policy will be reviewed on a weekly basis, acting on the most up-to-date evidence and data on the disease’s spread.