Experts say that long-term conservation methods are the most effective tool against Avian Influenza in wild birds.

The study, published this week by a sub-group of NatureScot’s Scientific Advisory Committee, analyses the unprecedented avian flu outbreak among wild birds since 2021, providing advice to support the work of Scotland's Avian Flu Task Force.

The report assesses that avian flu will likely continue to be an issue among wild birds into the 2023 nesting season and beyond.

It finds that the most effective solutions will likely be long-term conservation measures for birds which are particularly susceptible, accompanied by enhanced disease surveillance, demographic monitoring, and continued research.

READ MORE: Avian flu threatens survival of some bird species in Scotland, study suggests

A number of high-profile cases of Avian Flu infecting poultry flocks have been recorded in Scotland.

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas previously told The Scottish Farmer, that biosecurity was a key component in minimising risk of infection to kept poultry from wild birds.

She said the Scottish Government had already put in place a requirement for enhanced biosecurity so that feeding and water should be under cover and measures taken to deter wild birds from the range.

Alastair MacGugan, a NatureScot Wildlife Manager, said: “Although there’s no silver bullet to solve this complicated dilemma, this report will be a great help as the Avian Influenza Task Force plan action to reduce the effect of avian flu on Scotland’s important populations of wild birds. This is an upmost priority for our partners and ourselves, as the geographic scale, range of species of wild birds affected, and severity of impacts may threaten the very survival of some species.

“We have already stepped up our collaborative monitoring work in Scotland, and will continue to build on the recommendations in this vital report to make sure seabirds in Scotland have the best chance possible to rebound from the effects of this disease.”

This year, it has been the Greenland barnacle geese population that winter on Islay that have been most affected by the virus, with 1,190 deaths recorded and local population counts suggesting actual losses of at least 5,000 birds.

Other species that have suffered notable mortalities over the winter are pink-footed geese, herring gulls and mute swans.

Professor Dan Haydon, Chair of the sub-group, and population ecologist at the University of Glasgow, added: “This is an important and timely piece of work to help protect Scotland’s vital seabird populations. We were pleased to be able to collaborate with a range of experts and advise on the route we need to take to better understand this avian flu outbreak and help manage seabirds into the future.”