Wildlife

Wild Gannet Colony Avian Influenza Impacts

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has caused devastating mortality in UK gannet colonies, raising major welfare and conservation concerns.

Key Facts

HPAI H5N1 caused mortality of thousands of gannets at major UK colonies
Bass Rock and Bempton Cliffs suffered severe losses in 2022-2023
Affected birds show neurological signs and respiratory distress before death
Mass mortality events cause colony-wide disruption to breeding
No vaccination program currently exists for wild seabirds

Welfare Considerations

HPAI mortality in gannets involves neurological suffering in affected birds and disruption to surviving colony members. The scale of death causes visible suffering across entire colonies. Monitoring, reducing additional stressors and researching vaccination options are priority welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Report sick or dead seabirds to the relevant wildlife authority
Support research into wild bird HPAI management and vaccination
Avoid disturbing seabird colonies to minimise additional stress