Renfrewshire Council

A case of H5N1 avian influenza has been confirmed in a wild bird at Castle Semple Loch in Lochwinnoch.  

Avian flu is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. In rare cases, it can affect humans. 

To avoid spreading the disease if visiting the area you should: 

• Keep to the footpaths with dogs on leads 
• Not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds 
• Not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings 
• If you keep poultry, or other birds, wash your hands, clean and disinfect your footwear before tending to your birds. 

If you come across any dead wild birds please report them online or call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.  

We are following national guidance in response to this and have displayed information posters around the loch as well as issued public communications to inform people that avian flu has been detected.