A branch of the RSPCA has had to close its doors following a suspected case of avian flu. A bird being cared for at the branch, which was in isolation, showed symptoms of the infection.
The bird was put to sleep following advice from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), reports HampshireLive.
Staff at the Godshill site on the Isle of Wight said the incident was "extremely upsetting". A statement posted on Facebook reads: "This one case although unconfirmed has had a significant impact on our entire animal centre and now requires the temporary closure of our facility for a few days while we complete a full deep clean of our isolation areas and monitor other birds in our care for any signs/symptoms.
"We recognise that it is extremely upsetting for all involved and for the public. These actions are to protect other birds in our care and also humans and other mammals, as there is a risk to all.
"We hope to be re-open for admissions as soon as our isolation intake area is cleared to re-open and all the birds currently in our care are confirmed clear. This remains a rapidly evolving situation and we will issue further updates in due course."
