Wild swimmer calls for action to deal with dead birds on Moray beaches
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A WOMAN who regularly goes wild swimming in the sea has called for more to be done to clear up dead birds from local beaches.
She has stopped swimming for now due to concerns at the number of dead birds which have washed up on her local beach.
The woman, who didn't want to be named, contacted the Scottish Government and was told to speak to Moray Council about the situation at Portessie and Strathlene.
However, the council has confirmed it does not have a statutory duty to collect every wild bird.
The woman said: "I was walking one morning and I stopped counting at 20 dead birds.
"It was horrible and heartbreaking. I have noticed an increase in the number of dead birds.
"They looked to be guillemots and gannets, but I don't go too close to them.
"At the moment I won't go swimming. Ravens were picking them apart and dogs were playing with the dead birds."
Scottish Government advice is for the public not to touch dead birds which may have succumbed to avian flu.
A Moray Council spokesperson said: “Current guidance for dealing with dead birds, particularly if suspected avian flu is involved can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds
"Immediate advice is do not handle the bird at this stage. Report it either online at the link or by phone at 03459 335577. This service should be used to report dead wild birds and will help understand how diseases are spreading.
“When dead wild birds are reported they may be collected and tested for bird flu or other cause of death. Not all dead wild birds will be collected.”
