The Farne Islands have been closed to tourists from tomorrow after hundreds of seabirds have died in the outbreak of bird flu.
The National Trust, which manages the islands off Northumberland, says it is working to protect colonies of endangered species that breed in large numbers there, such as Atlantic puffin and arctic tern.
Experts claim that the risk to humans is low, but hope that a tourist ban will help stop the spread of the disease.
Approximately 45,000 people visit the island on a boat trip each year, offering views of up to 23 species, including a pair of 43,000 puffins and a large colony of gray seals.
The Farne Islands have been closed to tourists from tomorrow after hundreds of seabirds have died in the outbreak of bird flu.
Sightseeing trips from Sea Houses will continue, but visitors will not be able to land in Ferns.
After finding hundreds of dead birds, the National Trust has announced to visitors its decision to close them from Sunday.
They wanted to protect native species from influenza that spreads when birds come into direct contact with infected birds, feces, body fluids, or indirectly through food or water.
Some species, such as the popular puffin, are already under threat as climate change affects their habitats and food sources.
Simon Lee, General Manager of the Farne Islands, said: Their house.
The National Trust, which manages the islands off Northumberland, says it is working to protect colonies of endangered species that breed in large numbers there, such as Atlantic puffin and arctic tern.
Seabirds that nest in dense, mostly endangered colonies, such as the Arctic tern, are particularly vulnerable as they return to thousands of islands for breeding and nest in close proximity to each other.
“Our ranger team is working hard to monitor and protect these colonies, but we’ve found quite a few dead birds, so we have no choice but to close the island.
“We understand how many people like to visit the island, but as much as we can to protect and help these highly beloved seabirds by limiting the spread of the disease. I have to do that.
“The effects of the disease on the colonies we care for can be devastating due to the many low-breeding species. That is, the loss of adult birds is in a recoverable population. It has a big impact. “
Approximately 45,000 people visit the island on a boat trip each year, offering views of up to 23 species, including a pair of 43,000 puffins and a large colony of gray seals.
Lee added:
“By closing the island, we reduce the risk of bird turmoil, which at least delays the spread of the disease during this breeding period before leaving the island at the end of summer to continue the annual migration cycle. I can.”
The ranger team remains on the island to monitor the outbreak.
The UK Health and Safety Agency advises that the risk to humans is very low, but people should not touch sick or dead birds.
If found, report the dead bird to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Areas at 03459335577.