Decapitated seabirds and waders found in Scottish town
Residents in Alloa, Scotland, were left puzzled after the discovery of approximately 20 decapitated birds near a cluster of homes on December 30. The unusual find has raised concerns and prompted an investigation into the cause of death.
The birds were found in an area close to an industrial estate on the north bank of the River Forth, an otherwise tranquil part of the town, which has a population of around 14,000. This is the first such incident reported in Harbour Way, a residential area near the river’s edge.
One local resident, described the scene as particularly disturbing: “In over seven years living in the Harbour Way area, I have never witnessed anything like this. While it’s not uncommon to find a dead bird in the water from time to time, the sight of 15 to 20 decapitated birds from different species, all placed on the silt, strongly suggests something unusual and unsettling.”
The Scottish Government has since launched an investigation to determine if the birds were victims of avian influenza (bird flu). A government spokesperson confirmed that samples from a number of gulls, seabirds, and waders found dead at the site have been sent for testing as part of the Great Britain dead wild bird surveillance program. Results are expected within two weeks.
Bird flu, a virus that spreads among birds through droppings, saliva, and contaminated feed and water, has been a concern across the UK in recent months. A significant outbreak occurred in November at a poultry farm in East Yorkshire, which led to the culling of all infected birds. Health authorities have stated that the risk to humans remains low.
22 January 2025
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