Countryside rangers have been involved in clearing up bird carcasses from beaches across the county in recent weeks.
On Monday, one of the Rangers dealt with almost 100 dead birds, with the cause of death thought to be connected to Avian flu, at Tyninghame.
A spokesperson for East Lothian Council told the Courier it was not an isolated incident.
READ MORE: East Lothian: Avian flu vigilance high as dead seabird reports rise
She said: “We are getting a lot of bird carcasses washing in, especially over the last two weeks where we have had large numbers of guillemots in particular, among other species such as kittiwakes which were hit harder earlier in the year.
“The seasonal ranger dealt with almost 100 dead birds at Tyninghame on Monday alone.
“There are parameters within which we would ask the public to report carcasses.
“Specifically these are where there is one or more dead bird of prey, gull, swan, goose or duck, or five or more dead wild birds of any other species in the same place.”
Members of the public are advised to report birds directly to East Lothian Council’s Countryside Rangers.
READ MORE: Bird flu confirmed in East Lothian: part of walkway closed at harbour
The rangers then respond accordingly and report the numbers on to DEFRA.
The council spokesperson added: “In terms of public information, we have specific avian influenza signs across the county on our information boards at coastal countryside sites and also the web page with FAQs, as well as Rangers interacting directly with visitors to their sites.
“Our full-time staff are supported by seasonal rangers this year in uplifting carcasses from the busier beaches in the county.
“Staff are trained and equipped to handle carcasses safely for uplift and appropriate disposal.”
Earlier this summer, Scotland’s Avian Flu Task Force was on high alert following an increase in reports of dead seabirds along the county coast.
READ MORE: More cases of bird flu confirmed across East Lothian coastline
Avian flu was identified in Dunbar and West Barns, with part of the walkway at Dunbar Harbour closed and a boot wash in place to help reduce the spread of the disease.
Members of the public are advised not to pick up or touch any dead or sick wild birds and to keep pets away from the animals.
Anyone keeping poultry or other birds is also advised to wash their hands and clean and disinfect their footwear before tending to their birds.
For more information, go to www.eastlothian.gov.uk/news/article/13846/avian_flu_advice
