An animal rescue is refusing one type of animal after a deadly virus hit the region.
Freshfield Animal Rescue has issued an urgent statement after it was confirmed by the RSPCA that suspected avian flu, more commonly known as bird flu, had hit Merseyside last week when a number of dead birds were found in Walton Hall Park. The virus is highly contagious and deadly to birds, although poses minimal risk to humans. The Merseyside-based charity has now published a warning to those thinking of bringing birds to the Liverpool rescue site.
Posting on social media it confirmed there have been cases near the shelter and said the animal rescue is now on "high alert". The statement said: "The risk to us of avian influenza is now very high - please do not bring any birds to our Liverpool rescue.
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"There has been a confirmed case of Avian Influenza near us - the proximity of this to us means we are now on high alert. One positive case of Avian Influenza onsite would result in us having to destroy all our birds, both wild and farm birds.
"We must protect the birds already in our care and so we reluctantly have no choice but to close our doors to any new admittances. This is not something we ever want to do but I am sure you understand the situation.
"We are more than happy to help you find a rehabilitator or wildlife vet for a bird in need of help. Please contact us by messenger, email wildlife@freshfields.org.uk or telephone the rescue for help. Please do not come to the rescue.
"A case of Avian Influenza onsite would not only mean destroying our birds but by law, we would have to shut our doors to all animals until we could be cleared to re-open by DEFRA."
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