The RSPCA has announced that it will no longer be taking in sick birds because of the risk posed by the avian flu crisis. The animal welfare charity is also warning members of the public not to touch or pick up dead or obviously ill birds in an effort to halt the spread of the disease.
It comes as a "highly deadly" form of the avian influenza, known more commonly as bird flu, has become "worryingly widespread" in Britain's wild seabird population. The RSPCA said that the impact of the disease is also now affecting the level of support its officers can offer.
The virulent strain is having a devastating effect on bird populations around the British coastline. It has led to some wildlife rescue centres temporarily closing their doors due to the risk posed by wild bird admissions, according to the charity.
