Dog-walkers and people visiting water parks and lakes are being urged to be vigilant after a number of dead birds were retrieved from Sale Water Park. Avian flu – which is now endemic in the wild bird population across the country – is suspected but so far cannot be determined at this stage.
Samples have been sent to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for analysis and the council is currently waiting for results. Meanwhile, precautionary measures have been implemented – including new signage at Sale Water Park where most of the birds have been recovered - urging dog walkers to keep pets on a lead at all times and for people to stick to designated pathways.
Council chiefs say staff will be available to advise visitors to the park, while specialist teams, including officers from the RSPCA, will monitor the situation and assist with the removal of any dead birds. And council teams have been liaising with registered bird owners in the vicinity to remind them of national guidelines, ensuring they are following biosecurity measures and keeping birds housed.
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Richard Roe, Trafford council’s director of place, said: “This is obviously upsetting for everyone, including our own teams dealing with this, but avian flu is unfortunately now affecting wild birds right across the UK. People visiting Sale Water Park will see teams from the council and RSPCA on-site, but they should not be alarmed. We are not restricting access to the park, simply asking people to exercise common sense.
“Don’t go near any birds, especially if they are dead or distressed. There is a number to call on the information signs to report any that visitors do see.”
Mr Roe added: “As soon as we have confirmation and know exactly what we are dealing with, we will update accordingly.” Trafford’s director of public health, Dr Eleanor Roaf, said: “Unfortunately, we are seeing many cases of avian flu in wild birds across the UK at the moment.
"Although the risk to humans is low, we are very keen to stop this from spreading either to people, or to farmed or domestic birds.”
She added: “If you do keep poultry at home, please do make sure that they are kept indoors, and that no dirt is brought into the henhouse. We would advise against feeding wild birds, as this can encourage them to congregate together, and helps spread disease.”
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