Dog-walkers and people visiting water parks and lakes are being urged to be vigilant after a number of dead birds were retrieved from Sale Water Park. Avian flu – which is now endemic in the wild bird population across the country – is suspected but so far cannot be determined at this stage.
Samples have been sent to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for analysis and the council is currently waiting for results. Meanwhile, precautionary measures have been implemented – including new signage at Sale Water Park where most of the birds have been recovered - urging dog walkers to keep pets on a lead at all times and for people to stick to designated pathways.
Council chiefs say staff will be available to advise visitors to the park, while specialist teams, including officers from the RSPCA, will monitor the situation and assist with the removal of any dead birds. And 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.
