An avian flu outbreak at Salford Quays has been confirmed by government officials. The redeveloped former docklands is where the River Irwell ends and Manchester Ship Canal begins and is a magnet for a wide range of birdlife, including, cormorants, mute swans, and peregrine falcons.
Now visitors are being urged to keep away from birds at the location. The disease is endemic in wild birds across the country and has been found in other parts of Greater Manchester in recent months.
Government advice for visitors to areas where waterfowl and wild birds gather is to keep to footpaths, keep dogs on leads, not to feed wild waterfowl and not to pick up or touch sick or dead birds or discarded bird feathers.
Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment and community safety, said: “This is very sad news but the UK is currently facing its largest ever outbreak of avian flu with hundreds of cases reported up and down the country. Avian flu is now rampant in wild birds and spreads quickly and easily. It has nothing to do with water quality or the environment and poses a low risk to humans.
“We are following government advice and putting up advice signs at the Quays and will continue to monitor the situation. Water sports activities will continue but anyone using the water is advised to keep well away from wild birds.
“Anyone who keeps birds must, by law, keep them housed and follow strict bio-security measures. There is full government advice on avian flu at www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england.”
As well as now being heavily residential the Quays also attracts visitors to The Lowry arts centre and The Imperial War Museum, as well as an indoor shopping mall. Hundreds also work for the BBC and ITV at MediaCityUK.
Last month precautionary measures were implemented – including new signage at Sale Water Park urging dog walkers to keep pets on a lead at all times and for people to stick to designated pathways.
Trafford Council teams have been liaising with registered bird owners in the vicinity, to remind them of national guidelines, ensuring they are following biosecurity measures and keeping birds housed.
Dead swans, geese, ducks, gulls or birds of prey can be reported to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) helpline on 03459 335577.
