PEOPLE are being urged not to touch sick or dead birds after avian influenza was found in Stratford.
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed so-called ‘bird’ flu’ had been confirmed in a number of geese along the River Avon.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Warwickshire County Council and Stratford District Council is working with APHA to manage the situation and protect public health and the risk to other birds.
The A(H5N1) strain is highly infectious to other birds, but the risk to human health is considered very low.
But it is vital people do not touch sick birds or dead bird carcasses to avoid the need to introduce further infection control measures.
As well as not touching or picking up any dead or sick birds, people are also being urged to stick to footpaths and keep dogs on leads, not to handle feathers or any surfaces that may be contaminated by droppings and to thoroughly wash hands after visiting.
Dr Shade Agboola, director of public health at Warwickshire County Council, said: “The incidence of avian flu in the wild bird population is something that we are taking very seriously.
“The UKHSA has made it clear that the risk of the disease transferring from birds to humans is considered to be very low. To ensure this situation remains, members of the public should not touch or go near sick or dying birds and any dead birds found should be reported to DEFRA.”
Mamoona Tahir, consultant in health protection leading on avian influenza for UKHSA West Midlands, added: “The risk to the public from this strain of avian flu is very low, however it is important that people do not touch any sick or dead birds.
“As a precaution, anyone who may have come into contact with the droppings or birds in an area where the infection has been confirmed will be monitored and offered a course of antiviral medication if needed.”
Anyone who has come into contact with sick or dead birds or their droppings, in an area where the infection had been confirmed, is urged to notify the UK Health Security Agency’s West Midlands Health Protection Team on 0344 225 3560 so public health experts can determine if antiviral medication and active surveillance of their condition was necessary.
It is likely that avian flu is circulating more widely than Stratford. If anyone sees sick or dead birds by waterways or on private land in the surrounding areas in Warwickshire, should do not touch them and should call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
