People are being asked to report sightings of dead birds after an outbreak of bird flu in Cumbria. Cumberland Council said the disease, officially titled Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza H5N1, has been confirmed at a premises near Bootle.
There have been reports of dead wild birds along the west coast of the county. Bird flu is a well-known infectious disease of poultry and wild birds though other animals can also become infected.
Animal cases have been reported in the UK and across the world, but the risk to the general public's health is very low. Cumberland Council wants members of the public to report any dead bird sightings to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Dead birds must not be handled by members of the public, and dogs should be kept on leads, if possible, particularly on beaches or in areas where birds are known to gather. Cumberland Council's waste team is patrolling accessible beaches on the west coast daily and clearing any dead birds.
People should also wash their hands thoroughly if they come into contact with bird faeces. The disease mainly affects birds, but on rare occasions, it can affect mammals including humans, dogs and cats. Some species such as ducks, geese and swans can carry the avian influenza virus and spread it without showing any signs of illness.
Colin Cox, director of public health and communities at Cumberland Council, said: "I want to reassure residents that the risk to public health from avian flu is very low. However, it is important people do not touch or pick up any sick or dead birds to avoid spreading the virus, which can affect humans in rare cases.
"If you do find any dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds while out and about, please report them. I would also urge bird keepers to be vigilant for any signs of disease and report any suspected cases."
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Reports of dead birds should be made to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 or at gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds. Defra may advise residents to also report dead birds to Cumberland Council on 0300 373 3730 if they are not able to arrange for them to be cleared. Bird keepers who suspect bird flu in their poultry or other captive birds must report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301.
