It has been confirmed that bird flu has been found at Priory County Park, Bedford after over 100 Black-headed Gulls were found dead at the nature reserve in the last few weeks.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has removed the birds’ bodies and after tests, has now confirmed H5N1 bird flu as the cause of death.
So far, no other species of birds have been affected.
Black-Headed Gulls have suffered high mortality rates due to bird flu across the country this year. H5N1 bird flu is a disease that is spread between wild birds and has caused the worst bird flu outbreak ever seen in Europe.
DEFRA is asking members of the public to report sightings of wild bird deaths online at gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds, or by calling 03459 33 55 77.
Tom Wootton, elected Mayor of Bedford Borough (Conservative), said, “We have been made aware of a large number of dead Black-headed gulls at Priory Country Park and now have confirmation that these deaths are due to bird flu.
“This is especially concerning at this crucial time when gulls should be raising their young. We currently have no plans to close Priory Country Park but do ask members of the public not to touch any dead birds they see and to report them to Defra.”
You can find the latest bird flu (avian influenza) situation in England at gov.uk.
