Information relating to the collection procedure of dead wild birds reported by the public: EIR release

Information requested

[Contractors tasked with collection of dead, wild birds reported by the public]

It would be very helpful if you could provide me with the details listed below to allow me and others in the industry assess whether the collection procedure, in our opinion, is adequate. The methodology for determining how many birds should be collected when there are multiple dead birds at a location.

• The training records for the individual who collected the bird at Loch Na Bo
• Training requirements for those tasked with collecting the dead birds
• PPE Equipment issued to those collecting dead birds
• Health and safety restrictions placed on collections
• Bio security precautions
• Transport requirements for the dead birds to Weybridge
• A copy of the contract between the collector and Scot Gov or APHA

Response

As the information you have requested is ‘environmental information’ for the purposes of the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (EIRs), we are required to deal with your request under those Regulations. We are applying the exemption at section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA), so that we do not also have to deal with your request under FOISA.

This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption, because there is no public interest in dealing with the same request under two different regimes. This is essentially a technical point and has no material effect on the outcome of your request.

I enclose a copy of most of the information you requested.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because exceptions under regulations: reg 10(4)(a) - (information not held at time of request) of the EIRs apply to that information. The reasons why that exceptions apply are explained in the Annex to this letter. Given the reasons outlined in the Annex we would suggest that these questions are directed to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

• The methodology for determining how many birds should be collected when there are multiple dead birds at a location.

The purpose of the wild bird surveillance is determining the geographical and temporal distribution of HPAI and characterising strains that are present. The contract to deliver wild bird surveillance is managed carefully to ensure it delivers value for money, remains on budget and still provides the intended objective.

The criteria for reporting and collecting wild birds is subject to regular change, depending on the perceived risk at the time. Risk levels of avian influenza in wild birds are assessed weekly by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) ornithologists, veterinary advisors and epidemiologists and any recommendations to maintain or change risk levels, collection thresholds and target species are put to all Chief Veterinary Officers for their agreement. This allows all GB administrations the opportunity to assess the risk to public and animal health and shape the nature of the response accordingly. The European Union has published a target list of wild bird species for passive surveillance of H5 highly pathogenic viruses and that list forms the basis to which our dead wild surveillance is based.

The current reporting thresholds are published on Gov.scot/avianinfluenza. As at 14 January 2025 the thresholds for reporting are a single dead bird of prey, swan, goose, duck or gull or five or more dead wild birds of any other species.

In mass mortality cases, depending on the size of the birds/mortality event the contractor will collect one to three birds, selecting those in best condition e.g. those least decomposed. The results for the birds sampled are considered representative of the event and testing more birds in the same event would not offer additional surveillance value.

Similarly, it is Government policy that, when a bird is sampled, the area covered by the first four digits of the relevant postcode is temporarily blocked from further sampling, meaning no more birds in the area will be collected. If the collected bird tests negative for HPAI the post code will open back up; if it’s positive the post code will be blocked for a further 2 weeks. Testing more birds in the same area at the same time would not offer additional surveillance value, unless they were of particular interest, such as a new species. Any exclusions can still be opted in through expert judgement.

Once the strain and location of the virus has been established for a particular area through wild bird testing, there is no requirement to further sample birds in the same area as the surveillance has met its purpose of identifying infection and the strain of virus in that area.

• PPE Equipment issued to those collecting dead birds

The requirements for PPE as part of the contract for the collection of dead birds are covered under operational guidance which is held by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Collectors are required to wear a disposable coverall, disposable gloves, disposable shoe covers or wellington boots and FFP3 masks. Each collection is dynamically risk assessed in accordance with the Contracting Company's internal Health and Safety Management System and employer's policies, and collectors are trained in accordance with the company's training programme. All carcases are double bagged and labelled accordingly before undergoing transportation.

• Transport requirements for the dead birds to Weybridge

The requirements for collection of dead birds are covered under operational guidance which is held by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

In Scotland, the carcases will be delivered to Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

SRUC assess the decomposition status of the carcass and swab, if up to testing standards. If suitable, the swab is then sent by SRUC as a batch to the national reference laboratory in Weybridge, Surrey, run by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). APHA test wild birds for HPAI twice a week and endeavour to release results as soon as possible after testing.

ANNEX

REASONS FOR NOT PROVIDING INFORMATION

Following exceptions apply:

Regulation 10(4)(a) – Information not held at time of request

An exception under regulation 10(4)(a) of the EIRs (information not held at time of request) applies to some of the information you have requested. This exception applies because Scottish Government does not hold the following information, which may be available from APHA:

• the training records for the individual who collected the bird at Loch Na Bo
• the training requirements for those tasked with collecting the dead birds
• health and safety restrictions placed on collections
• biosecurity precautions
• the contract between APHA and the collecting organisation

This exception is subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exception. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exception.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.