Avian flu outbreak confirmed
It's following deaths of birds at Straw Bridge Nature Reserve
An outbreak of Avian Flu has been confirmed at Straw’s Bridge Local Nature Reserve in West Hallam following the deaths of several wild birds at the site.
Erewash Borough Council says it has been informed today (Wednesday March 16th) that testing results by Defra on one of the dead birds – swans and Canadian geese – established that they had been infected with the virus.
The council will now put signage in place at the popular site warning visitors that bird flu has been detected and asking people to follow important guidelines – including an appeal to dog owners to keep their pets on a lead.
Other rules include:
Keep to the footpaths
Do not feed the birds
Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds
Do not touch bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings
The council says 13 birds in total have now died at the reserve and it will continue to liaise with Defra, the RSPCA and Derbyshire County Council Trading Standards Service.
Dave Bramwell, Erewash Borough Council’s Head of Operational Services, says:
“It is very sad that we have this Avian Flu outbreak and we know how upsetting it is for people who visit this much-loved site. We are grateful to residents, who have been incredibly supportive in reporting any concerns they have and we now ask that the guidelines are followed in a bid to reduce risks of spreading this virus. We will work with our partners to monitor the site and will provide updates.”
Anyone seeing a sick or dead bird at the site is asked to contact the council on 0115 907 22 44.