Seabird survival: Battling avian flu

In this episode, Jackie is at St Abb’s Head Nature Reserve in Berwickshire to meet ranger Ciaran Hatsell. They’ll discuss bird flu in Scotland, as the UK’s worst ever avian flu outbreak leaves thousands of seabirds dead.

Ciaran reveals its impact on St Abb’s Head and explains how the virus first took hold on the cliffs. Plus, Jackie asks how Ciaran and his colleagues are working behind-the-scenes to better understand the virus and protect other birds from the outbreak.

For more information on how the virus is impact National Trust for Scotland sites, click here.

If you come across a dead or dying bird, do not touch it. Instead, report it to DEFRA on 03459 33 55 77, and report it to a member of National Trust for Scotland staff if you’re at one of the sites.

Whenever making a visit to an area affected by the virus, keep your distance from birds, use disinfectant when you arrive and when you leave, and sanitise your hands before eating, drinking, or smoking. The risk to human health is very low.

For other episodes on Scotland’s bird life, scroll back through your Love Scotland feed to our “Mountain birds”, “Seabird city” and “Caring for Scotland’s environment with Jeff Waddell” episodes.