July 30, 2025 • 46 mins
This episode of Wildlife Matters presents a critical examination of the dynamic interplay between climate change and wildlife health, set against the backdrop of the unprecedented weather records in the UK during 2025.
With spring emerging as the most temperate and sun-drenched on record, and June establishing itself as the hottest month in England's history, the episode introduces listeners to the urgent realities faced by wildlife as they struggle to adapt to these rapid environmental changes.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's findings serve as a stark reminder of the human-induced factors contributing to global warming, compelling us to acknowledge climate change as an immediate threat rather than a distant concern. Transitioning from the broader climate narrative, the podcast delves into the specific challenges posed by Avian Influenza, a virus that has demonstrated an alarming capacity for interspecies transmission.
This segment not only addresses the biological implications of the virus but also highlights the broader ecological consequences, urging listeners to consider the interconnectedness of all living beings. The episode concludes with a reflective invitation to engage with nature, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the wildlife that inhabits our shared environment, especially in light of the mounting pressures from climate change and emerging diseases.
Takeaways:
- The year 2025 has already established itself as a record-breaking year for warmth and sunshine in the UK, significantly impacting wildlife and ecosystems.
- Human activities are unequivocally contributing to climate change, necessitating immediate and concerted efforts to mitigate its effects on wildlife.
- Avian influenza has evolved to infect mammals, posing a serious threat to wildlife populations and raising concerns about its potential spread to humans.
- Heatwaves can dramatically disrupt wildlife, leading to food scarcity and dehydration, thereby threatening the survival of various species.
- The establishment of the Wealdon Heaths National Nature Reserve signifies a significant step towards landscape-scale conservation and connectivity of vital habitats.
- Effective monitoring and reporting of avian influenza cases in wildlife are crucial for understanding its impact and preventing future outbreaks.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:25):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters podcast.
Past well, 2025 is alreadyshaping up to be an extraordinary
year for weather.
The weather often sparksconversations for us Brits, especially
this year.
With spring 2025 being thewarmest and the sunniest on record
(00:47):
and hot on its heels, June seta new record as the warmest month
for England.
Remarkably, we are nowexcluded, experiencing the third
heat wave of the year, and thesummer has only just begun.
According to theIntergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change, or the ipcc, it is nowunequivocal that human activities
(01:12):
have contributed to warmingthe atmosphere, oceans and land.
In simpler terms, climatechange is not just a looming threat.
It is here.
And it is a reality that wemust confront.
This is particularlyconcerning for those of us who like
to live in tune with natureand can see, hear and feel these
(01:38):
changes.
And in this week's WildlifeMatters Investigates, we turn our
attention to a different kindof AI not artificial intelligence,
which poses its own challengesfor writers and content creators
like Wildlife Matters, butrather avian influenza, the bird
(02:00):
virus that has jumped species.
It's been some time since ourlast Wildlife Matters Investigates
feature, and with many newlisteners since then, we would appreciate
any feedback you may have onour wildlife investigative journalism.
And as always, we'll spendsome precious time in nature during
(02:24):
this week's Wildlife Mattersmindful moments.
But first, let's explore thewildlife and nature stories that
have caught our attention inthis week's Wildlife Matters Nature
News.
(02:57):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters Nature News,
where we take a deeper lookinto the wildlife and nature stories
that have caught our attentionthis week.
And in our first story,Wildlife Matters, ask what happens
to wildlife in heat waves.
In recent years, we have hadsome sizzling summers in Britain,
(03:20):
with hot and sunny spellsbecoming more common.
And they're not justuncomfortable for humans.
You see, our native wildlifehas adapted to our temperate climate.
So when the thermometer startsedging above 30 degrees on consecutive
days, it throws theirroutines, health and and very survival
(03:41):
into chaos.
From hedgehogs to herons,wildlife all across the UK feels
the pressure when the heatcranks up.
Food becomes harder to find.
While summer might seem like aseason of plenty, extreme heat can
dry out the very plants andinsects many species rely on.
(04:04):
The grass stops growing,flowers wilt, and the insects that
depend on them vanish whenthey are needed most.
For species like bats, whichfeed on flying insects, or hedgehogs
that depend on beetles andworms, a heat wave can feel more
like a famine.
The ripple Effect through thefood chain can be swift and brutal.
(04:27):
Ponds and streams start dryingup in a heat wave.
Small bodies of water areoften the first to vanish.
Poison ponds, puddles, andshallow streams evaporate quickly,
leaving amphibians like frogsand newts stranded.
And without water, many become dehydrated.
Then they can't eat.
(04:48):
They can't escape their predators.
For creatures that rely onmoisture for survival, like dragonfly
larvae or water beetles, it'sa disaster.
These habitats dry out longbefore most people even realize that
there's a problem.
And by the time they do,entire micro ecosystems may already
(05:10):
be lost.
Soil hardens and cracks.
When the ground dries out andbakes in the sun, it becomes as hard
as concrete.
And that's bad news foranimals like earthworms, moles, or
toads that live underground asit disrupts their shelter, feeding
and moisture levels.
(05:32):
And it's bad for the wildlifethat feed on those soil dwellers,
too.
From badgers to thrushes andblackbirds, the baked ground becomes
impossible to probe.
And even garden favorites likerobins struggle to find a meal when
their usual patch of lawnturns rock solid.
(05:52):
Heat exhaustion affectsmammals, foxes, badgers, and hedgehogs,
which often forage at dawn and dusk.
But in extreme heat, eventhose hours can still be stifling,
and they may spend more timeresting or hiding, missing key feeding
opportunities and using moreenergy to stay cool.
(06:12):
Hedgehogs, in particular,suffer quickly.
Their small bodies dehydraterapidly, and without easy access
to water, many won't survive aprolonged heat wave.
Wildlife rescues often reportspikes in cools during periods of
extreme heat.
Bats suffer from dehydrationand a lack of insects.
(06:34):
Bats are susceptible totemperature and rely on a steady
supply of flying insects tofuel their nighttime flights.
But in hot, dry conditions,both of those factors take a hit.
Insect populations plummet.
Bat roosts, which are often inhot attics or roof spaces, become
(06:55):
dangerously hot.
Young bats are particularly atrisk, and rescues frequently report
pups falling from overhead roosts.
In fact, all young animals areespecially vulnerable because juvenile
wildlife doesn't regulate itsbody temperature as effectively as
adults.
Offering water dishes andprotecting natural feeding grounds
(07:18):
such as ponds or meadows canall help support these fragile species.
Whether that's a leveretcurled up in the grass or a fledgling
left alone in a nest, younganimals are far more likely to suffer
from dehydration, exhaustionor heat stroke.
Without enough shade or accessto water, their survival rates drop
(07:43):
dramatically.
And, sadly, many won't make itthrough prolonged heat unless they
happen to be in a garden orgreen space where someone has put
out water to help them.
Birds struggle to remainhydrated because they cannot sweat.
Therefore they rely on findingshade, panting and access to water
(08:05):
to regulate their body temperature.
Parents may abandon theirnests if conditions become too intense
and fledglings can quicklysuffer from dehydration.
Bird baths and shaded feedersbecome essential lifelines when natural
sources of water and food disappear.
Nestlings and eggs overheat intheir nests and many nests are tucked
(08:29):
away in hedges and trees.
But all can become dangerouslyhot in the summer when temperatures
soar.
Some some birds will abandonnesting attempts altogether, whilst
others lose chicks todehydration or overheating.
And the more prolonged andmore frequent the heat waves, the
harder it becomes for birds tosuccessfully breed.
(08:52):
Reptiles like adders, grasssnakes and slow worms rely on sunbathing
to regulate their body temperature.
But they still have a limit.
If they can't find adequateshape shade, they risk overheating,
which can lead to stress oreven death.
Overexposure to hot surfacescan also cause burns or disrupt normal
(09:15):
behavior, especially in areaswhere there is little ground cover.
And whilst reptiles are betterequipped for heat than most UK wildlife,
extreme spikes still push themto their limits.
In our waterways, fish are atrisk from shrinking water levels.
As they drop, rivers and lakeswarm up and the oxygen levels plummet.
(09:40):
Fish need that oxygen tobreathe, so when the temperature
rises, they start tosuffocate, especially in shallow
or stagnant areas.
And species like trout andsalmon, which preferred prefer cooler,
faster running water, are hitthe hardest.
In some rivers, fish kills canhappen within days.
(10:02):
Add pollution or algal bloomsinto that mix and the entire aquatic
community is in serious trouble.
The sustained heat triggersharmful algal blooms.
Warm, stagnant water createsideal conditions for blue green algae,
which can bloom quickly inponds, lakes and and slow moving
(10:24):
rivers.
These blooms aren't justunsightly, they're toxic to fish
and other wildlife that comeinto contact with them.
The birds and mammals canbecome seriously ill from drinking
the contaminated water.
And the algae itself starvesthe water of oxygen, choking out
aquatic species.
(10:45):
It's a vicious cycle that canescalate rapidly once the the weather
tips into the heat wave territory.
Pollinators also face ahydration crisis.
Bees, butterflies andhoverflies need water just as much
as they need nectar.
But during a heat wave, theirusual sources can dry up, Puddles
(11:07):
disappear, moist soilevaporates and even the flowers they
rely on for food wilt or shutdown to conserve their energy.
And this leads to widespreadstress among pollinators, many of
which already struggle withhabitat loss and degradation.
Offering shallow water dishesor planting drought tolerant native
(11:30):
flowers can help and provide avital boost during the heat waves.
Wildfires threaten entire ecosystems.
Dry heathland moors andgrasslands become tinderboxes during
the prolonged heat.
And if and when a fire breaksout, they don't just burn plants,
(11:52):
they wipe out nesting birds,burrowing animals and entire insect
populations.
In fact, everything in their path.
And even if wildlife escapesthe flames, the smoke, the heat,
the habitat destruction haslasting consequences.
Consequences.
Recovery from these fires cantake years, especially in ecosystems
(12:15):
that are already underpressure from human activities.
While we can't stop a heatwave once it's here, we can make
things better for the wildlifearound us.
Simply placing shallow waterdishes, planting native shrubs for
shade, and avoiding strimmingthe garden during hot summer spells
(12:36):
can all have a significant impact.
It's also a good time torethink our outdoor spaces, because
even a small patch of gardenor a balcony can become a refuge
for wildlife in the heat.
And when we plan for wildlife,we're not just helping them survive
the summer, we're alsoensuring that they can come back
(12:58):
stronger next year.
Our second story is theexciting news of a new national nature
reserve in the Southeast.
First announced in the springof 2025, this week marked the launch
of the Wealdon Heaths NationalNature Reserve, which expands the
existing Thursley NationalNature reserve by adding 2,440 hectares
(13:24):
of the surrounding landscapeto to create a larger, more connected
area where nature can flourish.
Wildenheath's NNR is a mosaicof ancient and rare heathlands that
spread across Surrey,Hampshire and West Sussex.
And it's among England's mostimportant sites for nature, supporting
(13:48):
rare species including all sixnative reptiles, reptile species,
natterjack toads and three spadesignated bird species.
The largest partnership NNR todate, with nine landowners and stakeholders
collaborating to achieve alandscape scale conservation that
(14:09):
no single organization couldaccomplish alone.
Surrey Wildlife Trust, one ofthe partner organizations, was will
manage the national Naturereserve to be known as Wheeldon Heaths
alongside their other NationalNature Reserve at Chobham Common.
The new NNR will span across2,765 hectares of land, mostly in
(14:33):
the west and the south ofSurrey, but also including areas
of Hampshire and West Sussex.
Alongside the new land beingdeclared legally protected, the Wildern
Heaths Now Nature Reserve hasalso incorporated areas of land that
were already classified asnature reserves.
These include Bagmore Commonand Robber Common in Milford, Thundery
(14:56):
Meadows in Barnum and ThursleyCommon, and in addition Wildenheaves
include the amphitheatre ofthe Devil's Punch bowl, surrey Wildlife
Trust Director of ReservesManagement James Heard told Wildlife
Matters.
With Nature underunprecedented pressure, it's essential
(15:16):
that habitats are connectedand protected not just on a local
level but on a landscape level.
The creation of this reserverepresents an encouraging step towards
this goal and also illustratesthe power of partnership working
between national and localpolicymakers, communities and conservationists.
(15:39):
A statement from NaturalEngland said, Classifying an area
as a national nature reserveis done to protect some of our most
important habitats, speciesand geology national nature reserves
are legally protected areas ofland, but artificial intervention
likely to degrade the land andenvironment is prohibited in England.
(16:02):
He Heathlands have declined byaround 80% over the last two centuries,
making this declarationvitally important for the survival
of these precious places whichserve as habitats for a range of
species.
Wildlife Matters thinks it'sgood news that the heathlands in
the Southeast have beenrecognized and protected for the
(16:25):
unique habitat and the speciesthat are dependent upon upon that
heathland habitat and ourfinal story today highlights a report
from the European Food SafetyAuthority or the EFSA regarding concerns
over avian influenza.
The latest findings analyzethe ongoing bird flu situation in
(16:48):
the United States and assessthe potential for the virus to spread
to Europe, with a particularfocus on the H5N1 strain of highly
pathogenic avian influenza.
Between March 2024 and May2025, the H5N1 strain was detected
(17:08):
in dairy cattle across severalUS states.
The low infected cows showedonly mild symptoms, including decreased
milk production and mastitis.
The presence of the virus incattle is a concern as it is usually
found in avian species.
The virus has also beendetected in raw milk, where it can
(17:31):
remain infectious for up tothree weeks.
So far the virus has not beenfound in poultry during this outbreak
in the U.S. but the situationis being closely monitored due to
the risk of the virusevolution and cross species transmission.
The EFSA has expressedconcerns that the virus could reach
(17:53):
Europe, outlining two mainpotential pathways.
First risk is via migratorybirds certain species which migrate
between North America andEurope, stopping in regions such
as Iceland, the uk, Irelandand parts of Scandinavia, which are
considered potential entry points.
(18:15):
The second risk area isthrough trade and a low unlikely
There exists a theoreticalrisk that infected products such
as raw milk or live animalscould introduce the virus if biosecurity
controls fail.
The EFSA has issued itsrecommendations for the poultry trade,
(18:36):
which include monitoring wildbird populations, especially during
migratory seasons, ensuringstrict biosecurity measures on on
farms and staying informedabout changes in import policies
and animal health alerts.
Avian influenza appears tohave mutated and is now commonly
(18:59):
found in wild mammals,particularly scavenging species,
and has also reached farmanimals such as dairy cows.
This development surely raisesconcerns for consumers of dairy and
meat products.
If any of our featured storieshave interested you, please share
the podcast with yourcolleagues, friends or family.
(19:23):
Thank you.
And that has been this week'sWildlife Matters Nature News.
(19:46):
I seem to find myselfincreasingly writing about how changes
to our climate impact onwildlife, as wildlife like us cannot
adapt as quickly as thechanges that are happening in our
world.
Something that has hit home tome as I take water and food out daily
to help the local badgers,foxes, hedgehogs, bats and birds
(20:10):
to get through the extendedperiods of high heat that we have
been experiencing in the southof Britain.
And of course, like many ofyou, being out in nature is a vital
part of my life.
I have an unquenchable thirstfor knowledge and an understanding
of wildlife and nature, but Iwill never stop learning every day.
(20:33):
And that is one of the manyjoys for me for being out in nature.
So join me on a hot summer'sevening as we take a walk along an
empty beach at sunset in thisweek's Wildlife Matters mindful moments.
(22:13):
Well, I hope you enjoyed oursummer evening beach walk.
Listening to the waves as theylaps along the shore and to the sea
birds that fill the night airwith their calls and create a very
unique and memorable soundescape an atmosphere that is hard
not to enjoy.
(22:35):
And now it's time for thisweek's Wildlife Matters, a main feature.
And it's a return of theWildlife Matters infested as we examine
a virus that has spread worldwide.
This virus originated inintensive poultry farms in the Far
east and has devastated andspread through the migrating birds
(22:58):
to every part of the globe,including the Arctic and Antarctica.
And through regular mutation,it has evolved to infect mammals
in the UK and around the world.
So buckle up and get ready forWildlife Matters investigates.
Avian influenza.
(23:27):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters main feature.
Now, you may have seen thenews sites all discussing AI.
Will it take away jobs andchange our lives forever?
Course, that AI is artificial intelligence.
And as a creator and a writer,I do have my concerns.
(23:50):
But the AI that really worriesme is avian influenza, the subject
of this week's WildlifeMatters investigates.
So what is avian influenza?
Avian influenza, also known asbird flu, is an infection in birds
(24:10):
caused by several strains ofthe influenza A virus.
It is found in birdpopulations worldwide.
And some of these strains havespread from intensively farmed poultry
into wild bird populations.
Some specific AI viruses havebeen defined as H5, H7 and H9.
(24:34):
Strains have also spread frominfected birds to mammals, including
humans, although this isusually rare.
We've been aware of avianinfluenza for many years, decades
in fact.
But the virus rarely escapesthe confines of the intensive chicken
(24:55):
farms.
Once HPAI is found in apoultry farm, the response is direct
and and brutal.
All the chickens will bedestroyed, a tragedy in itself.
And the farm and buildingswould be decontaminated with a chemical
cocktail.
Then an exclusion zone wouldbe established, and any other poultry
(25:18):
on other local farms,generally within a 10 kilometer zone,
would be monitored.
And if the virus was found,the whole process will repeat again.
It's crude and barbaric, butthe method was adequate.
But in 2020, things changed.
(25:38):
More specifically, avianinfluenza virus changed.
Or to be factual, it mutated,something we are more aware of, following
that other virus that shutdown the world and confined all of
us to our own homes for months.
Also, back in 2020, the H5N1avian influenza virus has spread
(26:02):
further than ever among wildbird populations.
And it also developed theability to jump species, specifically
into mammalian species.
Tens of millions of domesticpoultry have been culled or died
from the new variant.
And millions of wild birdsaround the world have also died.
(26:26):
However, very few governmentagencies are taking action.
Some are counting the deadbirds, but no data has been released.
But what is clear is thedevastating impact of the AI virus
on wild bird populations.
There has been a rise in thedeath of wild bird species and the
(26:48):
animals that consume them worldwide.
Moreover, the current outbreakis affecting a greater number of
bird species than previously.
Raptors and seabirds, whichwere previously not effective, have
both been hit hard, but wedon't know why.
(27:08):
The genetic changes havelikely enabled the virus to spread
to more bird species as itmutates through each one, meaning
we are now facing multiplestrains of the virus.
We must improve ourunderstanding of how non avian animals
are exposed to the virus.
This is essential.
(27:30):
HPAI infects every organ of abird's body.
So when a fox eats an infectedbird, it exposes its mouth, nose,
and stomach to many viruses asit eats the meal.
Same is true of raptors, owls,and other carnivores that feed on
the infected dead birds.
(27:51):
An outbreak of HPAI on aSpanish fur farm in October 2022
remains unexplained.
According to Montserrat et al.
2022 report, the fur farm hadover 30 barns and nearly 52,000American
mink were held in captivity.
(28:13):
Thirteen animals were sampledin areas with high mortality and
the results were positive by pcr.
The virus sequence showed thatfour samples were closely clustered
with sequences from Europeangull samples from various countries,
including Spain from 2022.
(28:34):
Although wild birds thatscavenged the feed were probably
the source of the virus, noconfirmed source or spread pathway
between the has been established.
It is also possible that theinfected poultry feed was the source
of the infection.
Aerosol transmission betweenthe mink has been hypothesized due
(28:55):
to the positivity of oralpharyngeal and lung swabs as well
as the hotspots of increasedmortality seen within the barns.
However, it is still unclearwhether faecal, oral or indirect
transmission pathways fromhandling animals or exposure to another
as yet unknown common sourcecan be ruled out.
(29:17):
Avian influenza H5M1 was firstdetected in Newfoundland and Labrador,
Canada in 2022.
It was believed to havetravelled with migrating wild bird
species from Europe, mainlygeese and swan species, which appear
to be hosts for the virus.
It soon spread south intoNorth America, where millions of
(29:40):
poultry had to be destroyedand native wild seabirds were severely
aff.
In January 2023 it wasreported that a large colony of more
than 500 sea lions had diedfrom a virus in Peru the Gamara Toledo
et al.
Research Report 2023.
(30:03):
Further investigation revealedthat over four weeks starting from
November 2022, more than22,000 seabirds in various coastal
areas had died, with anestimated total of over 50 50,000
dead seabirds.
Between January and February2023, a shocking total of 634 sea
(30:29):
lions, including both Otariaflavocens and Arctocephalus australis,
were found dead in Peru.
The clinical signs wereobserved in some live sea lions which
subsequently died, includingtremors, convulsions, paralysis and
respiratory signs such asnasal and buccal secretions.
(30:54):
Most of the dead sea lionswere female, indicating the natural
colonising behaviour ofmothers with pups at this time of
the year rather than dimorphic susceptibility.
Several abortions were also recorded.
The clinical signs of systemicinfection, pneumonia and acute encephalitis
(31:15):
suggest that the virus causingthe deaths was avian influenza.
The high mortality rate inwild birds, including seabirds, is
evidence of exposure to thevirus at the time of recording.
It is not yet confirmed if thevirus can be transmitted from mammal
to mammal through directcontact, such as nose to nose contact,
(31:39):
aerosol droplets in exhaledbreath, faecal shedding of the virus
or other undefined indirect pathways.
In the UK there have beenseveral confirmed cases of HPAI H5N1
infections in mammals,including the red fox, Eurasian otter,
(31:59):
harbour seals, grey seals,common dolphins and harbour porpoises.
The Government has stated thatthe confirmed cases of HPAI H5N1
infections in Mammal speciesare all carnivore species that scavenge,
which is believed to be thetransmission route.
(32:20):
However, this has not been confirmed.
What has been confirmed isthat domestic pigs, donkeys and goats
have all tested positive for H5N1.
To date, the virus has beenfound in dead animals or those with
respiratory or neurologicalsigns such as tremors and convulsions,
(32:41):
and these animals have beeninfected with the virus despite being
omnivores or herbivores.
The information source is defra.
The World Organization forAnimal Health provides more information
on global cases of mammalinfection with influenza A of avian
origin through their dashboardand situation reports, and it states
(33:04):
that bird flu HPAI H5N1 iscirculating in wild birds, especially
breeding seabirds, and it hascaused significant mortality in particular
species, including the greatskua and gannet.
And this is a clear warning asmigratory waterbirds return to the
(33:26):
UK in the autumn.
We should also expect to seemore localised epidemics in some
of these species.
HPAI is undoubtedly asignificant cause of concern for
the conservation of wild birds.
The evidence suggests that theprimary path for HPAI transmission
in wild birds is throughsaliva and nasal secretions, which
(33:50):
can occur when the birdsengage in display rituals, preening
and feed their chicks.
HPAI can also be transmittedby the predation of sick birds from
faeces, often called guano, inand around nests and resting areas
close to nests and may even beshed via freshwater bathing areas.
(34:14):
The government is currentlystating that the transmission of
the virus through scavengersconsumption of dead birds is thought
to be very low.
They have not commented on thecarnage in the wild seabird populations,
the impact this will have onraptors and owls, or how it may impact
garden and woodland birds.
(34:34):
We know that swans, geese andducks, all familiar on our inland
waterways, are known hosts ofthe HPAI virus.
Of course, poultry farms,especially those with intensive operations,
are at the most significantrisk, which has obvious potential
to impact human health.
(34:55):
It is known that HPAI canpersist in the environment for some
some time, but hightemperatures and ultraviolet radiation
can destroy it.
Indeed, we should takepreventative action around poultry
farms to reduce or eliminatethe risk, but we're not.
We should also be clear thatHPAI is not an airborne disease.
(35:20):
Back to the wild birdsWildlife Matters believes the only
way to monitor HPAI's impacton our seabird populations is to
monitor and record not onlythe number of dead birds but also
their species.
NGOs worldwide are collectingdata on dead birds, but this data
(35:41):
is only being shared withgovernments and will not be available
to the public.
We believe that is wrong.
In the uk, each home nationhas established its working groups
to understand and limit thespread of the disease, but these
groups have only limitedmeasures to implement their findings.
(36:01):
Nature Scott has established aScottish Avian Influencers Task Force
and the Nature ScottScientific Advisory Committee AI
subgroup from which it hasreleased guidance and in some areas
restricted activities inseabird colonies.
In England, the Animal andPlant health agency, the APhA, has
(36:25):
been working with groups tomonitor captive birds such as chickens
and geese on poultry farms,wildlife rescue centres and wild
bird populations.
They also have an expert panelof ornithological Experts established
in 2004 when avian influenzawas first found in the UK, Wales
(36:47):
and Northern Ireland have heldregular working group meetings to
prepare for and managelocalised outbreaks.
The Joint Nature ConservationCommittee, or jncc, works with these
groups on a UK wide basis tohelp them understand the impact of
HPAI through nationalmonitoring schemes and in partnerships
(37:12):
with both the British Trustfor Ornithology and the rspb.
Waterbirds, mainly migratoryspecies such as swans, geese and
ducks, pose distinctchallenges from seabirds and the
working groups will need toconsider specific aspects related
to monitoring and managementin the event of a new surge in HPAI
(37:37):
cases and we can all help.
It is important to reportsightings of dead birds that may
be affected by HPAI to theDEFRA helpline.
The number is 0345-933-5577and we will include it in the show
(37:57):
notes at the time of recording.
In Scotland, England and Wales.
You should do this if you findone or more dead birds of prey or
owls, three or more dead gullsor wild waterfowl such as swans,
geese and ducks, or five ormore dead birds of any species.
(38:18):
This seems like a clumsy andcomplicated reporting system, but
please persist if you do seedead or dying birds, DEFRA will collect
samples from these birds anddetermine how the disease is distributed
geographically and in which species.
However, it is essential toknow that not all birds reported
(38:40):
will be collected.
If you find dead waterfowlthat's swans, geese or ducks or other
dead wild birds like gull orbirds of prey in Northern Ireland.
Please check the DEIRA websitefor reporting options.
It is also essential to statethat if you come across any dead
or visibly sick birds, do nottouch them or pick them up.
(39:04):
It seems clear that HPAI ishere to stay.
It has mutated regularly as ithas moved through bird species to
the point where it can and hasjumped from avian to mammal species.
Whilst the numbers of mammalsare relatively low at present, there
have been isolated cases ofavian influenza in carnivorous or
(39:28):
omnivorous mammals such ascats, tigers, leopards, bobcats,
gray wolves, foxes, coyotes,minks, civets, ferrets, fishers,
skunks, opossums, raccoons,black bears, brown bears, grizzly
bears, harbour seals, greyseals, porpoise, whiteside dolphins,
(39:50):
bottlenose dolphins, SouthAmerican sea lions, European otters
and most recently impolar bears.
It is a fact that highlypathogenic avian influenza outbreaks
in wild birds and farm poultryare no longer rare in Europe.
Before 2009 it was aninfrequent occurrence.
(40:14):
In 2009 the HPAI H5 virusoutbreaks in Europe were caused by
the HPAI H5 M1 clade 2.2 virus.
Then from 2014 onwards HPAI H5clade viruses dominated outbreaks
with abundant geneticreassortments yielding subtypes of
(40:38):
H5N1, N2, N3, N, N4, N5, N6and N8 and these were all in avian
species.
Then in 2020 we began to seethe latest HPAI variants capable
of infecting the mammals.
(40:58):
There is a clear five yearcycle of development from the first
detection of HPAI in 2004, sowe should anticipate a new mutation
of HPA virus at some point in2020 2025.
We also know that most HPAIH5virus detections in wild and domestic
(41:23):
birds within Europe occurduring southwest and westward autumn
migration and within largelocal Waterburg colonies during winter.
So we know the HPAI virus isdeadly to bird species, mutates on
a regular basis approximatelyevery five years and can jump species
(41:45):
to mammals and possibly beyond.
We know the source isintensive poultry farms worldwide.
The virus escapes them, enterswild populations that migrate annually
and take the virus with them,allowing it to spread to all parts
of the world.
Wildlife Matters finds theapparent apathy of governments worldwide
(42:10):
regarding animal welfare to beastounding and deeply concerning.
We must halt the intensivefarming of all animals, ensuring
that those bred for meat arekept in clean, infection free conditions.
If you choose to eat meat,this should be the minimum standard
(42:30):
that you expect.
Our primary concern atWildlife Matters is the global devastation
of wild bird populations dueto this this virus.
We aim to protect these wildpopulations from the detrimental
impacts of our failing foodsystem and animal husbandry practices.
(42:50):
There is an ongoing debateabout the consumption of animals
and their byproducts such asdairy, but having lived a vegan lifestyle
for many years, we have neverfelt healthier.
While we acknowledge thateveryone has a choice, it is clear
to us that the current globalfood industry, focused on meat and
(43:11):
highly processed foods, has adirect link to the rise in disease
such as diabetes, cancer andheart disease.
We believe that all beings,including humans, are part of nature
and there is no necessity toconsume animals or their products.
Eating animals should be apersonal choice made with a complete
(43:34):
understanding of theconsequences for those animals and
the responsibility for one'sown health and the impacts of consuming
animal products.
We hope you have found thisWildlife Matters Investigate's deep
dive into avian influenza andits devastating impact on wild bird
(43:55):
populations Informative if youhave Please do share this podcast
with colleagues, friends,family and anyone else you feel may
be interested in wildlife andnature, and that has been this week's
Wildlife Matters main feature.
(44:22):
It's hard not to be concernedabout the impacts of avian influenza
and it's spread worldwide overthe last 20 years.
The devastation it has causedto seabird colonies off Britain's
coastline is unprecedented.
Tens of thousands of birdshave suffered a slow and painful
(44:43):
death, including chicks intheir nests infected by the virus,
and the farmers have alsofaced dire consequences with businesses
closing after outbreaksresulting in the loss of everything.
They too feel helpless in theface of this virus, just as we do
(45:04):
as we try to protect the wild species.
I find the responses fromDEFRA and the APHA baffling.
They maintain a hands offapproach and show little concern,
only really saying that therisk is low when asked any questions
about it.
And yet, when an outbreakoccurs, they create an exclusion
(45:26):
zone of up to 10km, cullingall poultry and chemically sanitizing
the farm but leaving otherlivestock untouched.
And given what we know, thedisease can infect not only wild
species of mammals but alsofarm animals.
This should raise alarm bellsfor anyone consuming dairy or meat
(45:47):
products.
Please let us know in the comments.
Comments if you would like usto investigate more Wildlife Matters
topics, what specific issueswould you like us to explore?
Or if you would like an updateon avian influenza in the future?
As always, thank you for yourtime today.
(46:08):
We hope you have learnedsomething new from this podcast.
Wildlife Matters will returnin two weeks to distance, discuss
the physical benefits of wellbeing in nature.
And that's one you won't wantto miss.
So please subscribe whereveryou get your podcasts.
And if you do enjoy what wedo, please share the Wildlife Matters
(46:33):
podcast with someone today.
Keep curious, wild ones.
This is Wildlife Matterssigning off.
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters podcast.
Past well, 2025 is alreadyshaping up to be an extraordinary
year for weather.
The weather often sparksconversations for us Brits, especially
this year.
With spring 2025 being thewarmest and the sunniest on record
(00:47):
and hot on its heels, June seta new record as the warmest month
for England.
Remarkably, we are nowexcluded, experiencing the third
heat wave of the year, and thesummer has only just begun.
According to theIntergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change, or the ipcc, it is nowunequivocal that human activities
(01:12):
have contributed to warmingthe atmosphere, oceans and land.
In simpler terms, climatechange is not just a looming threat.
It is here.
And it is a reality that wemust confront.
This is particularlyconcerning for those of us who like
to live in tune with natureand can see, hear and feel these
(01:38):
changes.
And in this week's WildlifeMatters Investigates, we turn our
attention to a different kindof AI not artificial intelligence,
which poses its own challengesfor writers and content creators
like Wildlife Matters, butrather avian influenza, the bird
(02:00):
virus that has jumped species.
It's been some time since ourlast Wildlife Matters Investigates
feature, and with many newlisteners since then, we would appreciate
any feedback you may have onour wildlife investigative journalism.
And as always, we'll spendsome precious time in nature during
(02:24):
this week's Wildlife Mattersmindful moments.
But first, let's explore thewildlife and nature stories that
have caught our attention inthis week's Wildlife Matters Nature
News.
(02:57):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters Nature News,
where we take a deeper lookinto the wildlife and nature stories
that have caught our attentionthis week.
And in our first story,Wildlife Matters, ask what happens
to wildlife in heat waves.
In recent years, we have hadsome sizzling summers in Britain,
(03:20):
with hot and sunny spellsbecoming more common.
And they're not justuncomfortable for humans.
You see, our native wildlifehas adapted to our temperate climate.
So when the thermometer startsedging above 30 degrees on consecutive
days, it throws theirroutines, health and and very survival
(03:41):
into chaos.
From hedgehogs to herons,wildlife all across the UK feels
the pressure when the heatcranks up.
Food becomes harder to find.
While summer might seem like aseason of plenty, extreme heat can
dry out the very plants andinsects many species rely on.
(04:04):
The grass stops growing,flowers wilt, and the insects that
depend on them vanish whenthey are needed most.
For species like bats, whichfeed on flying insects, or hedgehogs
that depend on beetles andworms, a heat wave can feel more
like a famine.
The ripple Effect through thefood chain can be swift and brutal.
(04:27):
Ponds and streams start dryingup in a heat wave.
Small bodies of water areoften the first to vanish.
Poison ponds, puddles, andshallow streams evaporate quickly,
leaving amphibians like frogsand newts stranded.
And without water, many become dehydrated.
Then they can't eat.
(04:48):
They can't escape their predators.
For creatures that rely onmoisture for survival, like dragonfly
larvae or water beetles, it'sa disaster.
These habitats dry out longbefore most people even realize that
there's a problem.
And by the time they do,entire micro ecosystems may already
(05:10):
be lost.
Soil hardens and cracks.
When the ground dries out andbakes in the sun, it becomes as hard
as concrete.
And that's bad news foranimals like earthworms, moles, or
toads that live underground asit disrupts their shelter, feeding
and moisture levels.
(05:32):
And it's bad for the wildlifethat feed on those soil dwellers,
too.
From badgers to thrushes andblackbirds, the baked ground becomes
impossible to probe.
And even garden favorites likerobins struggle to find a meal when
their usual patch of lawnturns rock solid.
(05:52):
Heat exhaustion affectsmammals, foxes, badgers, and hedgehogs,
which often forage at dawn and dusk.
But in extreme heat, eventhose hours can still be stifling,
and they may spend more timeresting or hiding, missing key feeding
opportunities and using moreenergy to stay cool.
(06:12):
Hedgehogs, in particular,suffer quickly.
Their small bodies dehydraterapidly, and without easy access
to water, many won't survive aprolonged heat wave.
Wildlife rescues often reportspikes in cools during periods of
extreme heat.
Bats suffer from dehydrationand a lack of insects.
(06:34):
Bats are susceptible totemperature and rely on a steady
supply of flying insects tofuel their nighttime flights.
But in hot, dry conditions,both of those factors take a hit.
Insect populations plummet.
Bat roosts, which are often inhot attics or roof spaces, become
(06:55):
dangerously hot.
Young bats are particularly atrisk, and rescues frequently report
pups falling from overhead roosts.
In fact, all young animals areespecially vulnerable because juvenile
wildlife doesn't regulate itsbody temperature as effectively as
adults.
Offering water dishes andprotecting natural feeding grounds
(07:18):
such as ponds or meadows canall help support these fragile species.
Whether that's a leveretcurled up in the grass or a fledgling
left alone in a nest, younganimals are far more likely to suffer
from dehydration, exhaustionor heat stroke.
Without enough shade or accessto water, their survival rates drop
(07:43):
dramatically.
And, sadly, many won't make itthrough prolonged heat unless they
happen to be in a garden orgreen space where someone has put
out water to help them.
Birds struggle to remainhydrated because they cannot sweat.
Therefore they rely on findingshade, panting and access to water
(08:05):
to regulate their body temperature.
Parents may abandon theirnests if conditions become too intense
and fledglings can quicklysuffer from dehydration.
Bird baths and shaded feedersbecome essential lifelines when natural
sources of water and food disappear.
Nestlings and eggs overheat intheir nests and many nests are tucked
(08:29):
away in hedges and trees.
But all can become dangerouslyhot in the summer when temperatures
soar.
Some some birds will abandonnesting attempts altogether, whilst
others lose chicks todehydration or overheating.
And the more prolonged andmore frequent the heat waves, the
harder it becomes for birds tosuccessfully breed.
(08:52):
Reptiles like adders, grasssnakes and slow worms rely on sunbathing
to regulate their body temperature.
But they still have a limit.
If they can't find adequateshape shade, they risk overheating,
which can lead to stress oreven death.
Overexposure to hot surfacescan also cause burns or disrupt normal
(09:15):
behavior, especially in areaswhere there is little ground cover.
And whilst reptiles are betterequipped for heat than most UK wildlife,
extreme spikes still push themto their limits.
In our waterways, fish are atrisk from shrinking water levels.
As they drop, rivers and lakeswarm up and the oxygen levels plummet.
(09:40):
Fish need that oxygen tobreathe, so when the temperature
rises, they start tosuffocate, especially in shallow
or stagnant areas.
And species like trout andsalmon, which preferred prefer cooler,
faster running water, are hitthe hardest.
In some rivers, fish kills canhappen within days.
(10:02):
Add pollution or algal bloomsinto that mix and the entire aquatic
community is in serious trouble.
The sustained heat triggersharmful algal blooms.
Warm, stagnant water createsideal conditions for blue green algae,
which can bloom quickly inponds, lakes and and slow moving
(10:24):
rivers.
These blooms aren't justunsightly, they're toxic to fish
and other wildlife that comeinto contact with them.
The birds and mammals canbecome seriously ill from drinking
the contaminated water.
And the algae itself starvesthe water of oxygen, choking out
aquatic species.
(10:45):
It's a vicious cycle that canescalate rapidly once the the weather
tips into the heat wave territory.
Pollinators also face ahydration crisis.
Bees, butterflies andhoverflies need water just as much
as they need nectar.
But during a heat wave, theirusual sources can dry up, Puddles
(11:07):
disappear, moist soilevaporates and even the flowers they
rely on for food wilt or shutdown to conserve their energy.
And this leads to widespreadstress among pollinators, many of
which already struggle withhabitat loss and degradation.
Offering shallow water dishesor planting drought tolerant native
(11:30):
flowers can help and provide avital boost during the heat waves.
Wildfires threaten entire ecosystems.
Dry heathland moors andgrasslands become tinderboxes during
the prolonged heat.
And if and when a fire breaksout, they don't just burn plants,
(11:52):
they wipe out nesting birds,burrowing animals and entire insect
populations.
In fact, everything in their path.
And even if wildlife escapesthe flames, the smoke, the heat,
the habitat destruction haslasting consequences.
Consequences.
Recovery from these fires cantake years, especially in ecosystems
(12:15):
that are already underpressure from human activities.
While we can't stop a heatwave once it's here, we can make
things better for the wildlifearound us.
Simply placing shallow waterdishes, planting native shrubs for
shade, and avoiding strimmingthe garden during hot summer spells
(12:36):
can all have a significant impact.
It's also a good time torethink our outdoor spaces, because
even a small patch of gardenor a balcony can become a refuge
for wildlife in the heat.
And when we plan for wildlife,we're not just helping them survive
the summer, we're alsoensuring that they can come back
(12:58):
stronger next year.
Our second story is theexciting news of a new national nature
reserve in the Southeast.
First announced in the springof 2025, this week marked the launch
of the Wealdon Heaths NationalNature Reserve, which expands the
existing Thursley NationalNature reserve by adding 2,440 hectares
(13:24):
of the surrounding landscapeto to create a larger, more connected
area where nature can flourish.
Wildenheath's NNR is a mosaicof ancient and rare heathlands that
spread across Surrey,Hampshire and West Sussex.
And it's among England's mostimportant sites for nature, supporting
(13:48):
rare species including all sixnative reptiles, reptile species,
natterjack toads and three spadesignated bird species.
The largest partnership NNR todate, with nine landowners and stakeholders
collaborating to achieve alandscape scale conservation that
(14:09):
no single organization couldaccomplish alone.
Surrey Wildlife Trust, one ofthe partner organizations, was will
manage the national Naturereserve to be known as Wheeldon Heaths
alongside their other NationalNature Reserve at Chobham Common.
The new NNR will span across2,765 hectares of land, mostly in
(14:33):
the west and the south ofSurrey, but also including areas
of Hampshire and West Sussex.
Alongside the new land beingdeclared legally protected, the Wildern
Heaths Now Nature Reserve hasalso incorporated areas of land that
were already classified asnature reserves.
These include Bagmore Commonand Robber Common in Milford, Thundery
(14:56):
Meadows in Barnum and ThursleyCommon, and in addition Wildenheaves
include the amphitheatre ofthe Devil's Punch bowl, surrey Wildlife
Trust Director of ReservesManagement James Heard told Wildlife
Matters.
With Nature underunprecedented pressure, it's essential
(15:16):
that habitats are connectedand protected not just on a local
level but on a landscape level.
The creation of this reserverepresents an encouraging step towards
this goal and also illustratesthe power of partnership working
between national and localpolicymakers, communities and conservationists.
(15:39):
A statement from NaturalEngland said, Classifying an area
as a national nature reserveis done to protect some of our most
important habitats, speciesand geology national nature reserves
are legally protected areas ofland, but artificial intervention
likely to degrade the land andenvironment is prohibited in England.
(16:02):
He Heathlands have declined byaround 80% over the last two centuries,
making this declarationvitally important for the survival
of these precious places whichserve as habitats for a range of
species.
Wildlife Matters thinks it'sgood news that the heathlands in
the Southeast have beenrecognized and protected for the
(16:25):
unique habitat and the speciesthat are dependent upon upon that
heathland habitat and ourfinal story today highlights a report
from the European Food SafetyAuthority or the EFSA regarding concerns
over avian influenza.
The latest findings analyzethe ongoing bird flu situation in
(16:48):
the United States and assessthe potential for the virus to spread
to Europe, with a particularfocus on the H5N1 strain of highly
pathogenic avian influenza.
Between March 2024 and May2025, the H5N1 strain was detected
(17:08):
in dairy cattle across severalUS states.
The low infected cows showedonly mild symptoms, including decreased
milk production and mastitis.
The presence of the virus incattle is a concern as it is usually
found in avian species.
The virus has also beendetected in raw milk, where it can
(17:31):
remain infectious for up tothree weeks.
So far the virus has not beenfound in poultry during this outbreak
in the U.S. but the situationis being closely monitored due to
the risk of the virusevolution and cross species transmission.
The EFSA has expressedconcerns that the virus could reach
(17:53):
Europe, outlining two mainpotential pathways.
First risk is via migratorybirds certain species which migrate
between North America andEurope, stopping in regions such
as Iceland, the uk, Irelandand parts of Scandinavia, which are
considered potential entry points.
(18:15):
The second risk area isthrough trade and a low unlikely
There exists a theoreticalrisk that infected products such
as raw milk or live animalscould introduce the virus if biosecurity
controls fail.
The EFSA has issued itsrecommendations for the poultry trade,
(18:36):
which include monitoring wildbird populations, especially during
migratory seasons, ensuringstrict biosecurity measures on on
farms and staying informedabout changes in import policies
and animal health alerts.
Avian influenza appears tohave mutated and is now commonly
(18:59):
found in wild mammals,particularly scavenging species,
and has also reached farmanimals such as dairy cows.
This development surely raisesconcerns for consumers of dairy and
meat products.
If any of our featured storieshave interested you, please share
the podcast with yourcolleagues, friends or family.
(19:23):
Thank you.
And that has been this week'sWildlife Matters Nature News.
(19:46):
I seem to find myselfincreasingly writing about how changes
to our climate impact onwildlife, as wildlife like us cannot
adapt as quickly as thechanges that are happening in our
world.
Something that has hit home tome as I take water and food out daily
to help the local badgers,foxes, hedgehogs, bats and birds
(20:10):
to get through the extendedperiods of high heat that we have
been experiencing in the southof Britain.
And of course, like many ofyou, being out in nature is a vital
part of my life.
I have an unquenchable thirstfor knowledge and an understanding
of wildlife and nature, but Iwill never stop learning every day.
(20:33):
And that is one of the manyjoys for me for being out in nature.
So join me on a hot summer'sevening as we take a walk along an
empty beach at sunset in thisweek's Wildlife Matters mindful moments.
(22:13):
Well, I hope you enjoyed oursummer evening beach walk.
Listening to the waves as theylaps along the shore and to the sea
birds that fill the night airwith their calls and create a very
unique and memorable soundescape an atmosphere that is hard
not to enjoy.
(22:35):
And now it's time for thisweek's Wildlife Matters, a main feature.
And it's a return of theWildlife Matters infested as we examine
a virus that has spread worldwide.
This virus originated inintensive poultry farms in the Far
east and has devastated andspread through the migrating birds
(22:58):
to every part of the globe,including the Arctic and Antarctica.
And through regular mutation,it has evolved to infect mammals
in the UK and around the world.
So buckle up and get ready forWildlife Matters investigates.
Avian influenza.
(23:27):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters main feature.
Now, you may have seen thenews sites all discussing AI.
Will it take away jobs andchange our lives forever?
Course, that AI is artificial intelligence.
And as a creator and a writer,I do have my concerns.
(23:50):
But the AI that really worriesme is avian influenza, the subject
of this week's WildlifeMatters investigates.
So what is avian influenza?
Avian influenza, also known asbird flu, is an infection in birds
(24:10):
caused by several strains ofthe influenza A virus.
It is found in birdpopulations worldwide.
And some of these strains havespread from intensively farmed poultry
into wild bird populations.
Some specific AI viruses havebeen defined as H5, H7 and H9.
(24:34):
Strains have also spread frominfected birds to mammals, including
humans, although this isusually rare.
We've been aware of avianinfluenza for many years, decades
in fact.
But the virus rarely escapesthe confines of the intensive chicken
(24:55):
farms.
Once HPAI is found in apoultry farm, the response is direct
and and brutal.
All the chickens will bedestroyed, a tragedy in itself.
And the farm and buildingswould be decontaminated with a chemical
cocktail.
Then an exclusion zone wouldbe established, and any other poultry
(25:18):
on other local farms,generally within a 10 kilometer zone,
would be monitored.
And if the virus was found,the whole process will repeat again.
It's crude and barbaric, butthe method was adequate.
But in 2020, things changed.
(25:38):
More specifically, avianinfluenza virus changed.
Or to be factual, it mutated,something we are more aware of, following
that other virus that shutdown the world and confined all of
us to our own homes for months.
Also, back in 2020, the H5N1avian influenza virus has spread
(26:02):
further than ever among wildbird populations.
And it also developed theability to jump species, specifically
into mammalian species.
Tens of millions of domesticpoultry have been culled or died
from the new variant.
And millions of wild birdsaround the world have also died.
(26:26):
However, very few governmentagencies are taking action.
Some are counting the deadbirds, but no data has been released.
But what is clear is thedevastating impact of the AI virus
on wild bird populations.
There has been a rise in thedeath of wild bird species and the
(26:48):
animals that consume them worldwide.
Moreover, the current outbreakis affecting a greater number of
bird species than previously.
Raptors and seabirds, whichwere previously not effective, have
both been hit hard, but wedon't know why.
(27:08):
The genetic changes havelikely enabled the virus to spread
to more bird species as itmutates through each one, meaning
we are now facing multiplestrains of the virus.
We must improve ourunderstanding of how non avian animals
are exposed to the virus.
This is essential.
(27:30):
HPAI infects every organ of abird's body.
So when a fox eats an infectedbird, it exposes its mouth, nose,
and stomach to many viruses asit eats the meal.
Same is true of raptors, owls,and other carnivores that feed on
the infected dead birds.
(27:51):
An outbreak of HPAI on aSpanish fur farm in October 2022
remains unexplained.
According to Montserrat et al.
2022 report, the fur farm hadover 30 barns and nearly 52,000American
mink were held in captivity.
(28:13):
Thirteen animals were sampledin areas with high mortality and
the results were positive by pcr.
The virus sequence showed thatfour samples were closely clustered
with sequences from Europeangull samples from various countries,
including Spain from 2022.
(28:34):
Although wild birds thatscavenged the feed were probably
the source of the virus, noconfirmed source or spread pathway
between the has been established.
It is also possible that theinfected poultry feed was the source
of the infection.
Aerosol transmission betweenthe mink has been hypothesized due
(28:55):
to the positivity of oralpharyngeal and lung swabs as well
as the hotspots of increasedmortality seen within the barns.
However, it is still unclearwhether faecal, oral or indirect
transmission pathways fromhandling animals or exposure to another
as yet unknown common sourcecan be ruled out.
(29:17):
Avian influenza H5M1 was firstdetected in Newfoundland and Labrador,
Canada in 2022.
It was believed to havetravelled with migrating wild bird
species from Europe, mainlygeese and swan species, which appear
to be hosts for the virus.
It soon spread south intoNorth America, where millions of
(29:40):
poultry had to be destroyedand native wild seabirds were severely
aff.
In January 2023 it wasreported that a large colony of more
than 500 sea lions had diedfrom a virus in Peru the Gamara Toledo
et al.
Research Report 2023.
(30:03):
Further investigation revealedthat over four weeks starting from
November 2022, more than22,000 seabirds in various coastal
areas had died, with anestimated total of over 50 50,000
dead seabirds.
Between January and February2023, a shocking total of 634 sea
(30:29):
lions, including both Otariaflavocens and Arctocephalus australis,
were found dead in Peru.
The clinical signs wereobserved in some live sea lions which
subsequently died, includingtremors, convulsions, paralysis and
respiratory signs such asnasal and buccal secretions.
(30:54):
Most of the dead sea lionswere female, indicating the natural
colonising behaviour ofmothers with pups at this time of
the year rather than dimorphic susceptibility.
Several abortions were also recorded.
The clinical signs of systemicinfection, pneumonia and acute encephalitis
(31:15):
suggest that the virus causingthe deaths was avian influenza.
The high mortality rate inwild birds, including seabirds, is
evidence of exposure to thevirus at the time of recording.
It is not yet confirmed if thevirus can be transmitted from mammal
to mammal through directcontact, such as nose to nose contact,
(31:39):
aerosol droplets in exhaledbreath, faecal shedding of the virus
or other undefined indirect pathways.
In the UK there have beenseveral confirmed cases of HPAI H5N1
infections in mammals,including the red fox, Eurasian otter,
(31:59):
harbour seals, grey seals,common dolphins and harbour porpoises.
The Government has stated thatthe confirmed cases of HPAI H5N1
infections in Mammal speciesare all carnivore species that scavenge,
which is believed to be thetransmission route.
(32:20):
However, this has not been confirmed.
What has been confirmed isthat domestic pigs, donkeys and goats
have all tested positive for H5N1.
To date, the virus has beenfound in dead animals or those with
respiratory or neurologicalsigns such as tremors and convulsions,
(32:41):
and these animals have beeninfected with the virus despite being
omnivores or herbivores.
The information source is defra.
The World Organization forAnimal Health provides more information
on global cases of mammalinfection with influenza A of avian
origin through their dashboardand situation reports, and it states
(33:04):
that bird flu HPAI H5N1 iscirculating in wild birds, especially
breeding seabirds, and it hascaused significant mortality in particular
species, including the greatskua and gannet.
And this is a clear warning asmigratory waterbirds return to the
(33:26):
UK in the autumn.
We should also expect to seemore localised epidemics in some
of these species.
HPAI is undoubtedly asignificant cause of concern for
the conservation of wild birds.
The evidence suggests that theprimary path for HPAI transmission
in wild birds is throughsaliva and nasal secretions, which
(33:50):
can occur when the birdsengage in display rituals, preening
and feed their chicks.
HPAI can also be transmittedby the predation of sick birds from
faeces, often called guano, inand around nests and resting areas
close to nests and may even beshed via freshwater bathing areas.
(34:14):
The government is currentlystating that the transmission of
the virus through scavengersconsumption of dead birds is thought
to be very low.
They have not commented on thecarnage in the wild seabird populations,
the impact this will have onraptors and owls, or how it may impact
garden and woodland birds.
(34:34):
We know that swans, geese andducks, all familiar on our inland
waterways, are known hosts ofthe HPAI virus.
Of course, poultry farms,especially those with intensive operations,
are at the most significantrisk, which has obvious potential
to impact human health.
(34:55):
It is known that HPAI canpersist in the environment for some
some time, but hightemperatures and ultraviolet radiation
can destroy it.
Indeed, we should takepreventative action around poultry
farms to reduce or eliminatethe risk, but we're not.
We should also be clear thatHPAI is not an airborne disease.
(35:20):
Back to the wild birdsWildlife Matters believes the only
way to monitor HPAI's impacton our seabird populations is to
monitor and record not onlythe number of dead birds but also
their species.
NGOs worldwide are collectingdata on dead birds, but this data
(35:41):
is only being shared withgovernments and will not be available
to the public.
We believe that is wrong.
In the uk, each home nationhas established its working groups
to understand and limit thespread of the disease, but these
groups have only limitedmeasures to implement their findings.
(36:01):
Nature Scott has established aScottish Avian Influencers Task Force
and the Nature ScottScientific Advisory Committee AI
subgroup from which it hasreleased guidance and in some areas
restricted activities inseabird colonies.
In England, the Animal andPlant health agency, the APhA, has
(36:25):
been working with groups tomonitor captive birds such as chickens
and geese on poultry farms,wildlife rescue centres and wild
bird populations.
They also have an expert panelof ornithological Experts established
in 2004 when avian influenzawas first found in the UK, Wales
(36:47):
and Northern Ireland have heldregular working group meetings to
prepare for and managelocalised outbreaks.
The Joint Nature ConservationCommittee, or jncc, works with these
groups on a UK wide basis tohelp them understand the impact of
HPAI through nationalmonitoring schemes and in partnerships
(37:12):
with both the British Trustfor Ornithology and the rspb.
Waterbirds, mainly migratoryspecies such as swans, geese and
ducks, pose distinctchallenges from seabirds and the
working groups will need toconsider specific aspects related
to monitoring and managementin the event of a new surge in HPAI
(37:37):
cases and we can all help.
It is important to reportsightings of dead birds that may
be affected by HPAI to theDEFRA helpline.
The number is 0345-933-5577and we will include it in the show
(37:57):
notes at the time of recording.
In Scotland, England and Wales.
You should do this if you findone or more dead birds of prey or
owls, three or more dead gullsor wild waterfowl such as swans,
geese and ducks, or five ormore dead birds of any species.
(38:18):
This seems like a clumsy andcomplicated reporting system, but
please persist if you do seedead or dying birds, DEFRA will collect
samples from these birds anddetermine how the disease is distributed
geographically and in which species.
However, it is essential toknow that not all birds reported
(38:40):
will be collected.
If you find dead waterfowlthat's swans, geese or ducks or other
dead wild birds like gull orbirds of prey in Northern Ireland.
Please check the DEIRA websitefor reporting options.
It is also essential to statethat if you come across any dead
or visibly sick birds, do nottouch them or pick them up.
(39:04):
It seems clear that HPAI ishere to stay.
It has mutated regularly as ithas moved through bird species to
the point where it can and hasjumped from avian to mammal species.
Whilst the numbers of mammalsare relatively low at present, there
have been isolated cases ofavian influenza in carnivorous or
(39:28):
omnivorous mammals such ascats, tigers, leopards, bobcats,
gray wolves, foxes, coyotes,minks, civets, ferrets, fishers,
skunks, opossums, raccoons,black bears, brown bears, grizzly
bears, harbour seals, greyseals, porpoise, whiteside dolphins,
(39:50):
bottlenose dolphins, SouthAmerican sea lions, European otters
and most recently impolar bears.
It is a fact that highlypathogenic avian influenza outbreaks
in wild birds and farm poultryare no longer rare in Europe.
Before 2009 it was aninfrequent occurrence.
(40:14):
In 2009 the HPAI H5 virusoutbreaks in Europe were caused by
the HPAI H5 M1 clade 2.2 virus.
Then from 2014 onwards HPAI H5clade viruses dominated outbreaks
with abundant geneticreassortments yielding subtypes of
(40:38):
H5N1, N2, N3, N, N4, N5, N6and N8 and these were all in avian
species.
Then in 2020 we began to seethe latest HPAI variants capable
of infecting the mammals.
(40:58):
There is a clear five yearcycle of development from the first
detection of HPAI in 2004, sowe should anticipate a new mutation
of HPA virus at some point in2020 2025.
We also know that most HPAIH5virus detections in wild and domestic
(41:23):
birds within Europe occurduring southwest and westward autumn
migration and within largelocal Waterburg colonies during winter.
So we know the HPAI virus isdeadly to bird species, mutates on
a regular basis approximatelyevery five years and can jump species
(41:45):
to mammals and possibly beyond.
We know the source isintensive poultry farms worldwide.
The virus escapes them, enterswild populations that migrate annually
and take the virus with them,allowing it to spread to all parts
of the world.
Wildlife Matters finds theapparent apathy of governments worldwide
(42:10):
regarding animal welfare to beastounding and deeply concerning.
We must halt the intensivefarming of all animals, ensuring
that those bred for meat arekept in clean, infection free conditions.
If you choose to eat meat,this should be the minimum standard
(42:30):
that you expect.
Our primary concern atWildlife Matters is the global devastation
of wild bird populations dueto this this virus.
We aim to protect these wildpopulations from the detrimental
impacts of our failing foodsystem and animal husbandry practices.
(42:50):
There is an ongoing debateabout the consumption of animals
and their byproducts such asdairy, but having lived a vegan lifestyle
for many years, we have neverfelt healthier.
While we acknowledge thateveryone has a choice, it is clear
to us that the current globalfood industry, focused on meat and
(43:11):
highly processed foods, has adirect link to the rise in disease
such as diabetes, cancer andheart disease.
We believe that all beings,including humans, are part of nature
and there is no necessity toconsume animals or their products.
Eating animals should be apersonal choice made with a complete
(43:34):
understanding of theconsequences for those animals and
the responsibility for one'sown health and the impacts of consuming
animal products.
We hope you have found thisWildlife Matters Investigate's deep
dive into avian influenza andits devastating impact on wild bird
(43:55):
populations Informative if youhave Please do share this podcast
with colleagues, friends,family and anyone else you feel may
be interested in wildlife andnature, and that has been this week's
Wildlife Matters main feature.
(44:22):
It's hard not to be concernedabout the impacts of avian influenza
and it's spread worldwide overthe last 20 years.
The devastation it has causedto seabird colonies off Britain's
coastline is unprecedented.
Tens of thousands of birdshave suffered a slow and painful
(44:43):
death, including chicks intheir nests infected by the virus,
and the farmers have alsofaced dire consequences with businesses
closing after outbreaksresulting in the loss of everything.
They too feel helpless in theface of this virus, just as we do
(45:04):
as we try to protect the wild species.
I find the responses fromDEFRA and the APHA baffling.
They maintain a hands offapproach and show little concern,
only really saying that therisk is low when asked any questions
about it.
And yet, when an outbreakoccurs, they create an exclusion
(45:26):
zone of up to 10km, cullingall poultry and chemically sanitizing
the farm but leaving otherlivestock untouched.
And given what we know, thedisease can infect not only wild
species of mammals but alsofarm animals.
This should raise alarm bellsfor anyone consuming dairy or meat
(45:47):
products.
Please let us know in the comments.
Comments if you would like usto investigate more Wildlife Matters
topics, what specific issueswould you like us to explore?
Or if you would like an updateon avian influenza in the future?
As always, thank you for yourtime today.
(46:08):
We hope you have learnedsomething new from this podcast.
Wildlife Matters will returnin two weeks to distance, discuss
the physical benefits of wellbeing in nature.
And that's one you won't wantto miss.
So please subscribe whereveryou get your podcasts.
And if you do enjoy what wedo, please share the Wildlife Matters
(46:33):
podcast with someone today.
Keep curious, wild ones.
This is Wildlife Matterssigning off.
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