Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

[Guest]

What is the RSPB's stance on the spreading of Avian Influenza, I have never seen any comments by them

[sj irving jnr]

thats a good question,i look forward to an answer on it

[Guest]

Basically unchanged: they see poultry as the main threat of spreading the virus.

 

 

http://www.rspb.org.uk/policy/avianinfluenza/background_implications.asp

[THE FIFER]

wild birds are the biggest threat to spreading the flu if it comes as they are eating other birds, crows seagulls and birds of pray, and any scavenger birds, these are the birds which the public should be getting warned about not clean well kept homing pigeons,

[Guest]

Well thankfully the RSPB (and the papers) haven't pulled the wool over DEFRA's eyes:

 

 

(1) RACING PIGEONS

 

Pigeon Shows and pigeon racing

 

Scientific evidence suggests that pigeons are not very susceptible to HPAI infection.

 

On veterinary advice licensed pigeon shows can now proceed because the risk that these will spread avian influenza is currently assessed as low. The pigeon racing season is due to start in April 2006, although a small number are planned before then. Work is underway to allow these races to take place.

 

Licences for pigeon shows will be issued provided that certain biosecurity and other conditions are met. Further information on pigeon shows and gatherings is available.

 

 

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/qanda/assessment.htm#q26

 

 

(2) WILD & MIGRATORY BIRDS

 

Risk assessment

 

In light of recent reports, Defra has reviewed its overall assessment of the threat posed to the UK of the H5N1 virus spreading to birds in the UK. Overall, the assessment is that the likelihood of further geographical spread is high. This in turn increases the risk to the UK as it increases the opportunities for the introduction of the virus via migrating birds, trade in live birds and movement of people. We will continue to monitor developments and reassess the situation when additional information becomes available.

 

The risk to poultry in the UK remains low but has increased given the evidence that wild birds carry the highly pathogenic strain of the virus.

 

There is circumstantial evidence that migrating wild birds can spread the H5N1 virus over large distances. The recent global spread of the disease, at a time when bird migrations are occurring and along routes which coincide broadly with migration routes, suggests that migrating birds play a part. Enhanced disease monitoring of birds migrating into or through the UK is being carried out on behalf of Defra by migration experts.

 

The public health risks posed by avian influenza, in the absence of outbreaks of H5N1 in poultry in the UK, remain low.

 

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/keptbirds/index.htm

 

 

[jimmy white]

ive sent an email in to the scotsman. explaining the hawk situation ,and the possible threat they pose as carriers for this desease as they are feeding on ducklings and chickens etc anybird in fact, but the rspb are still releasing them to breed in the wild, and off course they are protected, and left to possibly spread this desease,, but know one seems to mention these dangerous birds.

i dont suppose theyll do anything but its worth a try.

[Guest]

anthing is worth a try Jimmy.

 

I would have thought that The RSPB whould have been more proactive in the Press, they are an organisation that solicits money from Corporate and members of the public and should be speaking out for all birds including Racing Pigeons not just the Raptors they are inflicting on you all