The Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) in Whitesmith, East Sussex was forced to suspend rescues and admittance to the centre of all casualties after a suspected case of avian influenza was detected.
In an announcement on their website on Tuesday evening (June 7) at 8.30pm, they stated that under DEFRA / APHA guidelines they would have to cease rescues and would not be able to admit any casualties until the situation was resolved.
They were advising people to contact other rescue centres or the RSPCA if they have sick or injured wildlife.
They said:
"We are really sorry for the distress and frustration this will cause. Our staff are heart broken by this decision and are co-operating with APHA in all ways possible".
However, in a new statement, released at 8pm on June 8, they said:
"Due to a potential Avian Influenza case we have been on lock down since 7pm 7th June 2022. We have been checked over by the Animal Plant Health Agency and have now been given the all clear to re open and that the birds of concern do not have Avian Influenza despite having suitable symptoms. We aim to reopen our rescue line and hospital to patients at 9am Thursday 9th June 2022."
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