Strange to reflect that fisherman might be the first witness of the arrival of Bird Flu to the United Kingdom. It is a fact that if Bird Flu or when Bird Flu arrives to our shores, It will be via migrating birds that travel here to feed during the year. There concentrations are around our shores and lakes immediately brings them into contact with fisherman. it is important that we keep our eyes open and report any observations of large bird deaths to either the Police or RSPCA. Do not worry about looking silly it is far better to alert the authorities than to let this disease spread and worth remembering it is rare for this disease to be passed on to humans but sensible just to note the location of these deaths rather than handling any dead birds.

Fisherman love watching nature around them and many of my favourite days fishing have been made by the glimpse of a kingfisher or other water fowl. Lets hope that this horrid disease never reaches our shores as the mass culls of birdlife could change the British countryside for decades.