Nottinghamshire County Council issues advice after wild bird infected with bird flu found in Shelford.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advise that bird flu is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
A spokesperson said:
‘Residents are being urged not to touch or pick up dead or sick birds after avian flu was detected in a wild bird in Shelford, Nottinghamshire.
‘Our Trading Standards team is issuing advice and working with Rushcliffe Borough Council and other partner agencies to reduce the risk of the spread of the disease.
‘Please call 03459 335577 to report any dead gulls, swans, geese or other wild birds.’
Feeding wild birds
You can feed wild birds but always wash your hands with soap and water afterwards. Avoid areas that have premises where poultry or captive birds are kept. Wild birds can spread bird flu to captive birds.
If you’re in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) you cannot feed wild gamebirds within 500m of a premises with more than 500 poultry or captive birds. Check if you’re in a zone on the bird flu zone map and find out more in the guidance on rules if you keep game birds.
If you feed wild birds in your garden, read advice from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) to keep feeders and water baths clean. This will help to stop bird flu and other diseases spreading between different birds.
The UK Health Security Agency has said that the risk to the public from this bird flu strain is very low. It mainly affects birds.
Do not touch or move any dead or sick wild birds – find out how to report them.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water if you touch wild bird faeces or feathers. For more advice go to the NHS website.