Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

DESPITE the National risk of H5N1 Avian Influenza (bird flu) being low and restrictions being lifted on poultry and captive birds in England, Wales, and Scotland have been lifted since 4 July 2023m Sefton Council has now issued a new warning about bird flu being in the area.

We are told that on 18 July 2023, Sefton Council received confirmation from The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) that avian influenza has again been found in wild birds along the Sefton Coastline.

The Council has confirmed that they are continuing to work with DEFRA to ensure all cases are reported and the dead birds are dealt with safely. But, the public within the Merseyside area is being asked to take care and are encouraging anyone who sees a sick or dead bird on our coastline to report it to DEFRA, via calling them at:- 03459335577, or by going online. When you report dead wild birds they may be collected and tested for bird flu or other cause of death, but some might not be collected.

They have also issued the following onsite advice in noticeboards and have stressed that it is imperative that all visitors to our coastline follow the guidance below:-

Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds.
Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings.
Do not feed waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans, etc)
Keep dogs on leads and avoid walking along the tide line.
Avoid dogs coming into contact with wild birds.

If you keep poultry or other birds, wash your hands, clean and disinfect footwear before tending to your birds.

The Council also is reminding those with poultry and captive birds must report suspected bird flu cases immediately, by calling the DEFRA Rural Services Helpline on:- 03000200301.

The National Trust and Sefton Council Officers will continue to monitor strandlines, which are lines formed from where debris is left after a high tide, and follow the health and safety measures in place to remove dead wild birds.

The RSPB say that:- "Human infections with HPAI worldwide are rare and the risk to the general public's health is low. However, some strains of the virus, such as H5N1 or H7N9, have been associated with human disease. This is why we are discouraging people from having close contact with sick or injured birds."

It is worth adding that you can't catch bird flu by eating fully cooked poultry or eggs, even in areas with an outbreak of bird flu.

For more information please go to:- Sefton.Gov.UK/BirdFlu

Government Updates:- Gov.UK/Government/News/

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) advice page:- RSPB.Org.UK/Birds-And-Wildlife/Advice

NHS Advice Page:- NHS.UK/Conditions/Bird-Flu/

Liverpool (Gladstone)

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