MEMBERS of the public are being urged not to touch or pick up sick or dead birds following a confirmed outbreak of Avian Flu at Ackers Pit in Stockton Heath, Warrington.
A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “If you find any dead or visibly sick birds, do not touch or pick up them up.
“Where a dead bird is on private land, contact the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on 03459 335577, as they may need to be tested. Where dead birds are not required for surveillance purposes, it is the landowner’s responsibility to safely dispose of the carcasses following DEFRA advice. In the case of Ackers Pit, for example, this is owned by Warrington Anglers, who would be responsible for the removal of any carcasses on the land.
“Where a dead bird is found on public land, report the animal to the council online at warrington.gov.uk/dead-animals or call 01925 443322.
“All bird keepers are advised to maintain strict biosecurity measures and to register their birds.
In rare cases, Avian flu can spread to humans.
The Avian flu was reported at Ackers Pit last week by Warrington Angler’s bailiff who has been advising members that they should not be touching dead or sick birds under any circumstances.
Secretary Frank Lythgoe said: “It will no doubt be on many fisheries throughout the UK as it is reintroduced every year by migrating birds and is spread by bird-to-bird contact. It could be anywhere so simply be aware and if you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese, or ducks) you should report them to the Defra helpline 03459 335577.”
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) came into force across Great Britain on 3 November 2021, and in Northern Ireland on 17 November 2021. This was extended to include housing measures across the UK on the 29 November 2021.
These measures mean that it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK (whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) to keep their birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.
Council urges bird keepers to take precautions following confirmed avian flu cases
