Further bird flu cases have been confirmed in Nottinghamshire, with the latest cases being discovered in Thurgarton, near Southwell. The latest cases were discovered in three black-headed gulls, following five confirmed cases in wild birds that were found near the River Idle in Newington earlier in May.
Now members of the public are being urged not to touch any dead or sick birds, or allow their pets near them. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that although the risk to human health from the virus is low, people can catch bird flu via direct contact with a live or dead bird carrying the virus, or via direct contact with bird faeces from a bird carrying the virus.
Therefore, it is vital that anyone spotting any sick or dead birds does not touch them and that they contact the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Councillor John Cottee, Cabinet Member for Communities at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The discovery of dead birds is always upsetting and the news that they have tested positive for avian flu will obviously be of concern to residents and visitors, however, the risk of the disease transferring from birds to humans is considered to be very low.
