An outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed in a country park in England, after more than 100 gulls died. The black-headed gulls have been removed from the park, according to the council.
The outbreak happened in Priory Country Park, in Bedford. And the cause of death was confirmed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Tom Wootton, elected Mayor of Bedford Borough, said: "We have been made aware of a large number of dead Black-headed gulls at Priory Country Park and now have confirmation that these deaths are due to bird flu. This is especially concerning at this crucial time when gulls should be raising their young.
"We currently have no plans to close Priory Country Park but do ask members of the public not to touch any dead birds they see and to report them to Defra," Bedford Live reports. H5N1 bird flu is a disease that is spread between wild birds and has caused the worst bird flu outbreak ever seen in Europe. So far, other species of birds in Bedford's Priory Country Park have not been affected.
DEFRA encourages the public to report sightings of certain wild bird deaths using their online reporting tool, or by calling the helpline on 03459 33 55 77. For the latest bird flu situation in England go to the government website.
