People is Doncaster are being urged to avoid dead birds and bird droppings as avian influenza (bird flu) has been found in dead birds in the area.
In a statement on social media, Doncaster Council said:
“We have today received confirmation from Defra [The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] that dead birds found at the Lakeside at the end of December have tested positive for Avian Influenza (Bird Flu).
We are working with Defra to control the spread of the disease to other birds and put the relevant health and safety measures in place across the borough.
“We are also working with individuals and organisations known to us that keep birds and we are placing signs in key areas to warn the public,” the post continued.
“The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said the risk to human health is low, but you should not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find and take care to avoid bird droppings in parks and lakeside areas.”
The post added that the public can help report sightings of dead birds by calling the council on: 01302 736000.
Bird flu
The UK is currently experiencing its largest-ever outbreak of bird flu.
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) came into force across Great Britain on the November 3, 2021, and in Northern Ireland on the November 17, 2021.
As of November 29, 2021, the declaration was extended and it is mandatory to house your birds, or keep them separated from wild birds. This was extended to include housing measures across the UK on the November 29, 2021.
These measures mean that it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK (whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) to keep their birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.
An AIPZ also came into force in Wales on November 3, 2021.
