Top Scientists are asking anyone in Southport to report the finding of any dead bird as avian flu rips through the area.
Last week it was reported that dead swans have been found in the Marine Lake and Hesketh Park with no signs as to why they have died, leading to fears by DEFRA that the bird flu epidemic has struck in the town.
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been declared across Great Britain which came into force on the 3 November 2021.
The Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have agreed to bring in new measures to help protect poultry and captive birds. The new housing measures will come into force across the UK from 00:01 on Monday 29 November 2021 to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza following a number of confirmed cases across Great Britain in recent weeks.
There have been multiple findings of HPAI H5N1 in wild birds from sites across Great Britain, including the area directly around Southport.
Wild birds are susceptible to a range of diseases and injuries and not all dead birds will have been infected with avian influenza.
Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.
If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 335577).
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