Wild Seabird Avian Influenza Response

The highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak that began in 2021 has caused unprecedented mortality in wild seabirds, creating welfare emergencies at breeding colonies.

Key Facts

HPAI H5N1 has caused mortality events in great skuas, gannets, terns, and guillemots across the UK
An estimated 26,000 great skuas died in the 2022 outbreak representing 50% of the UK population
Sick seabirds found near colonies should not be handled without PPE
Mass mortality events prevent beach access and restrict management activities
Vaccination of wild seabirds is under investigation but not yet practically available

Welfare Considerations

Wild seabirds dying from HPAI experience acute neurological disease with seizures, loss of coordination, and respiratory distress. Death typically occurs within days of symptom onset. Mass mortality events affect breeding colonies catastrophically, with thousands of birds dying within days. The welfare of dying individuals cannot be mitigated in wild populations at scale, but surveillance and monitoring that supports future vaccination or management responses may reduce future outbreaks.

What You Can Do

Never approach, touch, or handle sick or dead seabirds without PPE
Report mass seabird mortality events to APHA immediately
Follow RSPB guidance on coastal access during HPAI events
Donate to seabird monitoring organisations tracking HPAI impacts
Support research into seabird vaccination programmes