More than 50,000 wild birds in UK killed by avian flu – double previous estimates

H5N1 bird flu may lead to extinction of species as data revealed by Guardian shows worst losses in decadesAvian flu has killed more than twice the number of wild birds previously estimated in the UK, according to data collected by the Guardian, with numbers likely to escalate during this year ’s breeding season.The highlyinfectious variant of H5N1 has caused Europe ’s worst bird flu outbreak, resulting in themost significant and sudden loss of birds in decades. Conservationists are warning that it could mean theextinction of some seabird species, as breeding colonies have been particularly badly hit.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Birds Bird flu Animals Environment Wildlife UK news Infectious diseases Veterinary medicine Veterinary science World news Conservation Northumberland Scotland Northern Ireland Wales RSPB Source Type: news