Warning to public after avian flu case discovered

People have been warned not to touch dead or sick birds after a case of avian flu was confirmed in Nottinghamshire.

The disease was found in a wild whooper swan in Shelford, according to Nottinghamshire County Council.

Wild birds that migrate to the UK can carry the disease, which can lead to cases in poultry and other captive birds.

Dawn Justice, the council's cabinet member for communities and public health, 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."

"It is important that people do not touch any sick or dead birds and I would also urge people not to feed any swans and geese, particularly around Shelford, as feeding encourages them to congregate and that increases the risk of the disease spreading," Justice added.

"As well as issuing an appeal for the public not to touch or move dead birds, I am also asking dog owners to keep their pets away from them."

Birdkeepers in the UK have had to follow biosecurity measures since 6 November to limit the spread of the virus.

The UK Health and Security Agency said the risk to humans from the virus was low.

However, people could catch bird flu from direct contact with a live or dead bird with the virus, or direct contact with bird faeces from a bird with the virus, it added.

Humans cannot catch the virus from airborne particles and food standards bodies have also stressed avian flu poses "a very low food safety risk for UK consumers".

Anyone who sees a sick or dead bird is advised not to touch it and to contact Defra.

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