Visitors to a popular attraction are being urged to help prevent the spread of bird flu after a gull was found dead.
St Mary’s Island Wildlife Conservation Society reported the dead gull at the site in Whitley Bay to the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
The bird was removed and later tested positive for avian flu.
Go here for the latest breaking news from North Tyneside
Over the last few weeks, cases of bird flu have been confirmed in other parts of the North East, including Northumberland and Newcastle.
Now people visiting St Mary's Island are being asked to take steps to help prevent further spread of the virus.
A spokesperson for the St Mary’s Island Wildlife Conservation Society said: "On Monday February 14th we reported a dead gull located on the island to the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
"Volunteers on site liaised with the Defra animal collection officer and the gull was able to be collected for testing.
"We have now been informed that the gull tested positive for Avian Influenza (bird flu). Several Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) signs are now located around the reserve to alert visitors.
"Please ensure you follow the advice on the signs to avoid inadvertently spreading the disease.
"This is a devastating virus and has already caused the death of many thousands of waterfowl but has now spread to other species such as gulls and birds of prey."
Signs have been put up at the site informing visitors that bird flu has been detected in the area.
People are urged to:
- Keep to the footpath
- Keep dogs on leads
- Do not feed wild waterfowl
- Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds
- Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings
According to Government public health experts, the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.
Sam Dand, director of environmental services for North Tyneside Council, said: "On February 18, the council was notified by the UK Health Security Agency about the discovery of a dead gull with confirmed avian flu at St Mary’s Lighthouse.
"This is the first confirmed case in North Tyneside and we have put up posters around the island, and around the perimeter of the bird sanctuary, advising visitors not to touch any dead or visibly unhealthy birds they find and to report them to the DEFRA helpline on 03459 335577, or to the council on 0345 200 0101 if it’s in a public area.
"Council staff are actively monitoring the area and we are advising poultry keepers and allotment holders about the steps they should take to keep their animals free from disease."
