More than 150 birds have been found dead at a popular nature reserve due to a suspected outbreak of bird flu, a wildlife trust has said. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust said staff found the birds at Attenborough Nature Reserve, near Beeston, over the course of the past 10 days but added that numbers seem to be slowing.
The UK has been dealing with an unprecedented number of Avian Flu cases this year. Restrictions have affected domestic birds and worrying reports have emerged over the impacts on wild birds including sea bird colonies.
Speaking on behalf of the wildlife trust, head of communications Erin McDaid said: “This incident has been traumatic for everyone connected with the reserve. Whilst we are still awaiting confirmation from DEFRA that we are dealing with avian flu, we are taking the situation extremely seriously.
Read more: Bird flu cases 'highly likely' to be in popular Nottinghamshire nature reserve
"Our team are collecting carcasses and dealing with distressed birds as quickly as possible – but we need people to be aware that there may be some unavoidable delays in responding due to the size of the reserve, the numbers of birds affected and the availability of trained staff and equipment such as boats.”
The trust has also temporarily fenced off the approach to the Nature Centre, which remains open, as a precaution to discourage bird feeding and limit opportunities for direct contact between birds and people. It is also calling on visitors to help by not feeding the birds, keeping dogs on leads and reporting dead birds directly to DEFRA the helpline.
Mr McDaid added: “Attenborough is a much loved destination and it has been distressing for many people over the past 10 days, but visitors can play their part by not touching or feeding the birds, keeping dogs on leads and by washing hands regularly- something that has become second nature to us all over the past couple of years.”
Previously, outbreaks have been identified at a poultry farm near Lowdham, as well as at other beauty spots across Nottinghamshire.
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