It is now time for the Spring migration of birds, having been South for the Winter, are returning to their Summer feeding and breeding grounds. Birds will have mixed with others from all over the Northern Hemisphere and could have picked up the virus. So it is time for vigilance again.

 

So far, the majority of birds reported as having the H5N1 strain of the virus in Europe have been water birds such as Swans, Ducks and Geese. It is obvious from  this (and from the known fact that the virus, apart from being airborne, is also passed on through the faeces of birds) that the virus lives for a given period in water. Exactly how long that period is, is open to discussion among the Medical and Veterinary specialists, but some are saying months rather than days. Transmission of the virus from bird to bird can therefore be completed by drinking contaminated water or by eating weed or algae that has infected faecal particles attached.

 

From this it is fairly obvious that water users like anglers, swimmers, boaters etc. are also at risk if they are in contact with infected or contaminated water. It is therefore possible that the use of water for recreational or sports reasons could be curtailed or even banned in some areas where there is a local risk to poultry farms or wild life centres and if the fishery comes within an exclusion zone.

 

So just exactly what can we as anglers do to protect ourselves and avoid spreading the H5N1 virus?

 

First, make sure your hands that have been in contact with water are thoroughly disinfected before handling food or drink. Any cuts or abrasion should be sealed by waterproof covering or plastic gloves. Also make sure that no parts of your tackle come into contact with your mouth. At the end of the day make sure items of clothing particularly shoes or boots, that may have particles of bird faeces attached, are cleaned and not taken into your homes to come into contact with family members or pets. Please don’t go from one fishery to another, if at all possible, without letting your tackle and nets completely dry out and also to avoid the risk of transmission from shoes or car tyres.

 

The Greylag Goose family, pictured above, are typical of many spring scenes on waters up and down the country. It is essential that all birds are healthy and stress free and we as anglers can help by respecting their right of presence on our waters and where possible, to supplement their diet. I am perfectly happy to feed any young or adult birds out of hand while fishing, but will then make sure I clean my hands thoroughly afterwards with a disinfectant wipe. It can’t be recommend strongly enough that you feed, look after and respect all the birds on your water, for remember healthy, stress free birds are less likely to pick up any diseases in the first place and are therefore less likely to bring the H5N1 virus back to your waters.

 

Should you spot any birds that are obviously sick or dead while fishing, don’t touch them or get too close unless you are used to handling infected animals and have protective clothing and masks. Warn other anglers on the fishery and inform DEFRA, the RSPCA, a local Vet or the local Police and, most importantly, a Bailiff on the fishery. If you can remain on the fishery until authorities arrive and point out the birds to them, so much the better. For more, up to date information visit the DEFRA website.

DEFRA help line 08459 335577 (6 am - 10 pm).