Monitoring the bird flu outbreak
What a difference a week makes at the Rollo Centre. Last week, the releases having gone very well, has left very few casualties in the outside aviaries.
Most are having to be kept inside, either because they need the warmth or because they are needing attention several times a day.
The picture this week shows the swan and cygnets, together with two mallards, herded into the small pond so they can be bagged and boxed up before being released. They moved from one pen to the other by being bribed with lettuce that can be seen scattered around.
We try to make everything as stress free as possible. We are very pleased that all the water birds are now away and free.
We heard the news that avian influenza has been confirmed very close to us. We have aviaries that are only covered by netting and we worry that the infection may affect any birds we have in our care.
With the majority of the young birds away we can, if really necessary, should the infection come really close, be able to bring the remaining casualties indoors and undercover as would be required by law.
We have decided that due to the proximity of the infection, all casualties will be checked over outside the premises. Avian influenza tests can be given outside as results only take 15 minutes.
The problem is that these tests are expensive at nearly £10 each, so they will be used sparingly. Any casualty that we think is unlikely to survive will not be tested but will go straight to the vet for euthanasia.
We have supplies of PPE that has been kindly donated to keep our staff and volunteers, as well as our resident casualties safe. Please bear this in mind if you are bringing a casualty in to us.
We are now able to deep clean aviaries and cages that have been used constantly during this very busy spring and summer. Jackie cleaned the big pond after the swans and ducks had left. It has now been refilled to keep the concrete in good condition.
Some grass seed will be needed on the areas in the big pond that the ducks dug into when the soil was wet. Ducks just can’t help themselves, they have to delve into mud.
The other aviaries will need the same treatment. When checking the Big Flight after the barn owl release, Jackie noticed that the soil retaining wall at the back of the aviary was crumbling. She had a word with Ian, the volunteer who does our DIY jobs, but he thought it was too big a job for him and we needed a builder to do it.
Are there any builders out there who could have a look at this job for us please? We would be happy to hear from you if you have time to spare.
This is the time when runs get mended, new door catches get put on and, if the weather is kind, get a coat of paint. Ian will be kept busy. We need to be ready for next spring and the mad two or three months we always have.
Barbara is now ready with hedgehog sponsorship. We know the animals that will be with us through the winter and they are all being photographed looking suitably cute.
We rely so much on sponsorship money through the winter to help feed and keep the hedgehogs clean. This year, we worry even more about the heating costs as we have to keep the very small ones in a warm room. Sponsorship is a great help, so please support us if you can.