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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Josie Le Vay

Suspected bird flu cases at Oldham park after six geese found dead

It is suspected that six geese found dead at a park in Oldham were sick with bird flu.

Oldham Council is now advising the public to not touch any sick or dead birds at Alexandra Park.

The authority has also asked people to not feed the birds or fish in the area, and to keep dogs on leads.

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The council said in a statement: "Avian influenza (bird flu) has been detected in a number of wild birds across the UK.

"DEFRA has confirmed that this is normal for the time of year, as wild birds carry the disease to the UK when migrating from Europe and Asia.

"The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that the risk to public health is very low.

"Additionally, the Food Standards Agency has said that bird flu poses a very low safety risk to UK consumers and that properly cooked eggs and poultry remain safe to eat.

"The advice for residents is to not handle sick or dead wild birds of any kind they might find, but instead to call the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77."

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