Bird flu warning after geese die in park & RSPCA tells of deaths across the UK
A BIRD flu warning has been issued after a number of dead geese were found in a park.
It comes as the RSCPA says a “high number” of sick and dying birds are being reported across the UK.
In Rochdale, Greater Manchester, people who use Queen’s Park have been told to stay away from ill and dead birds after several dead geese were spotted.
Dog walkers have also been urged to keep their pets away from the featured critters in the area.
According to Rochdale Council, no cases of avian flu have been identified in Queens’s Park yet but the issue is being investigated, reports Manchester Evening News.
But in Alexandra Park in Oldham, also in Greater Manchester, a bird flu outbreak has been confirmed after several dead birds were found – forcing the closure of its boating lake.
The RSCPA says officers have visited Queen’s Park to deal “with the sad situation”.
A spokesman for the charity said: “Unfortunately high numbers of sick and dying birds are being reported across the UK due to the ongoing and severe UK-wide avian flu outbreak, which is continuing to spread through bird populations.
“It’s been devastating for the RSPCA – and wildlife lovers across the country – to see birds perish from this awful disease.
“Avian flu can be carried by all bird species, but seabirds, waterfowl and birds of prey are the most common species reported.
“This is a highly contagious disease within birds and it’s important to take all precautions to stop its spread.
“The UK Government continues to advise not to touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.
“If you have already touched the bird, please wash your hands immediately, along with any surfaces you may have made contact with.
“For more information, please check our online advice about what to do if you find a sick or injured bird. If you do call us for help, please bear with us, as our rescue teams are under a lot of pressure.”
It comes after experts told The Sun bird flu could spill over to humans and new vaccines should be developed.
Concerns the virus could have a potentially devastating impact were raised after its spread to otters and foxes in Britain was revealed last week.
The animals are believed to have eaten dead wild birds that were infected with the virus, which is currently at record levels in the UK.