Holidaymakers are being advised to take care on beaches after outbreaks of avian flu. Hundreds of dead birds have been left littered on beaches after contracting the deadly virus.
People are advised to avoid bird corpses.
Council workers this week removed the bodies of 450 birds on Stonhaven beach in Scotland. Visitors to the beach have been urged to stay away from the bodies, as coming into direct contact with them can increase the risk of possible infections.
There have been multiple cases of mass bird deaths reported throughout the north-east of Scotland in recent months.
Recently, government wildlife agency NatureScot found around 200 sandwich terns and black-headed gulls dead at Forvie National Nature Reserve in Collieston.
Cumberland Council also said there have been reports of dead wild birds along the west coast of that county.
The first confirmed human case of bird flu was in south Devon.
Dead birds must not be handled by members of the public, and dogs should be kept on leads, if possible, particularly on beaches or in areas where birds are known to gather.
Cumberland Council’s waste team is patrolling accessible beaches on the west coast daily and clearing any dead birds.
People should also wash their hands thoroughly if they come into contact with bird faeces.
The disease mainly affects birds, but on rare occasions, it can affect mammals including humans, dogs and cats.
Some species such as ducks, geese and swans can carry the avian influenza virus and spread it without showing any signs of illness.
Colin Cox, director of public health and communities at Cumberland Council, said: “I want to reassure residents that the risk to public health from avian flu is very low.
“However, it is important people do not touch or pick up any sick or dead birds to avoid spreading the virus, which can affect humans in rare cases.
“If you do find any dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds while out and about, please report them.
“I would also urge bird keepers to be vigilant for any signs of disease and report any suspected cases.”
Reports of dead birds should be made to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 or at gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds. Defra may advise residents to also report dead birds to Cumberland Council on 0300 373 3730 if they are not able to arrange for them to be cleared.
Bird keepers who suspect bird flu in their poultry or other captive birds must report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301.
