Wintering ducks monitored for flu

A number of wildlife organisations are monitoring reserves across the region to evaluate the risk of bird flu.

The RSPB is working with Defra, the British Trust for Ornithology and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.

Five species of duck - the Widgeon, Teal, Shoveler, Pintail and Pochard - are of particular interest as they are wintering birds from Central Asia.

Reserves include Minsmere, Suffolk, the Yare Valley, Norfolk, the Stour Estuary in Essex and Ouse Washes, Cambs.

Chris Durdin, from the RSPB, said: "There is a theoretical possibility that these wildfowl could be vectors of avian flu.

Waterbirds migrating

"The ducks are to be looked at twice a week and if five or more are found dead or ill then there is a channel of communication and a set of actions will kick-in at that point.

"But bearing in mind that lots of birds die of lots of things," he added.

In a statement the RSPB said there are no records of humans contracting avian influenza from wild birds.

Avian influenza H5N1 had never been recorded in wild birds before the recent outbreaks.

At this time of year, large numbers of waterbirds (such as ducks, geese and wading birds) are migrating.

They may play a part in spreading avian influenza, but equally, it could be due to movements of poultry, it commented.

Poultry producers like Bernard Matthews based in Norfolk say controls have been stepped up.

The turkey producer said on Monday that biosecurity controls have been stepped up with no unnecessary visitors being allowed on site to minimise the risk of infection.