An outbreak of bird flu has returned to the county, with "a large number" of animals having died already from the highly infectious disease.

The worst of the outbreak has been present at Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve, but beaches up and down the East Lothian coast have seen deceased birds washing up on the shoreline.

In June last year migrating seabird colonies were afflicted by the disease with the gannet population on the Bass Rock – the largest in the world – being hit very hard.

At the time officials at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick noted that “significant areas on the Bass Rock which would have been brimming with gannets now largely bare”.

Many seabird species such as gannets have now migrated away from East Lothian but other species that come to the county in winter are now becoming impacted by the disease.

Council officials have confirmed that the bird species so far affected by the outbreak are mute swans, greylag geese, shellduck and gulls with tests on barnacle geese and pink-footed geese still to be confirmed.

Susan Davies, CEO of the Scottish Seabird Centre was saddened to hear that outbreak had reappeared and feared what effect this may have when seabirds return to the area.

She said: "We suspected that highly pathogenic avian flu (H5N1) would continue to circulate in wild birds as the winter migration started; especially in geese, waterfowl and waders. Sadly, we have also had recent positive cases confirmed in herring gulls from some of the islands in the Firth of Forth.

"Our concern is that when internationally important seabirds, such as northern gannets and puffins, return to these islands in spring to breed – that their populations will take another devastating hit from this highly infectious disease.

"Visibility on the detail behind the Scottish Avian Influenza Response Plan is still required so that site managers know what the management responses, monitoring and surveillance plans for 2023 will be.

"This strain of avian flu (H5N1) is killing seabirds across the globe with, for example, recent reports of thousands of pelicans, blue-footed boobies and other seabirds dying in south America. Each day brings new reports – it is a tragic situation and really is a further red-alert to us all that we need to care for nature or we will lose it."

East Lothian Countryside Rangers released a statement confirming the return of bird flu and provided advice to the public and how to minimise the spread.

A spokesperson said: "In recent weeks, a large number of birds have died or have been seen in a very sick state at various locations along the East Lothian Coast; highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) is almost certainly the cause.

"It is very distressing to see this and sadly there is nothing that can be done to save these birds.

"There are, however, things we can do to help:

"Give birds space and minimise disturbance (some birds can survive Bird Flu but need all their energies to do so)

"Do not touch dead or sick birds and keep dogs away (Bird Flu has been detected in mammals and there is a very small but real risk to us)

"Report sick and dead birds to us via ranger@eastlothian.gov.uk as we are collating records for nationwide monitoring

"Note that, generally, the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) are the best organisation to contact about sick and injured wildlife. Their hotline number is 0300 099 9999."