Things are certainly heading in the right direction, with fewer dead birds collected recently. The current total stands at 430. This shows a slowdown in the number of casualties we’re finding. Only 16 birds were collected last week, much lower than at the beginning of September. As well as our team removing dead birds, changes in the weather are helping. Increased rainfall is easing the situation, as this outbreak is driven by environmental conditions, namely hot weather and drought.

We’re continuing to survey the site and collect dead birds. Further samples have been sent to APHA for testing. It may take over four weeks for results to come back. Samples will be tested for multiple diseases, including avian influenza as well as avian botulism.

We thank visitors for their continued co-operation, keeping dogs on leads and staying away from Castle Water. The Discovery Centre and the rest of the reserve remain open, and we’ve restarted some events and volunteer tasks away from Castle Water. Please continue to follow on-site signage.

Update 16 Sept

Sadly, Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Avian Influenza is highly transmissible to birds, but the risk to human health is low.

The disease was identified as part of our ongoing monitoring of the suspected Avian Botulism outbreak.

Castle Water remains closed to the public and we ask visitors to the rest of the reserve to help protect wildlife by following this guidance:

  • Keep dogs on a lead at all times
  • Do not allow dogs to enter the water
  • Never touch sick, injured or dead animals
  • Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings