The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed avian influenza A(H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, is behind recent deaths of wild and waterfowl along the River Great Ouse in Bedford.
Earlier this week, Bedford Borough Council encouraged residents not to touch any sick or dead birds and report the findings to Defra’s GB helpline on 03459 335577.
They have now renewed that warning.
Read: Suspected Avian Flu outbreak raises concerns for Bedford’s birds and waterfowl
Bedfordians keeping poultry or other birds are also advised to wash their hands and clean and disinfect footwear before tending to them.
Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said, “We are continuing to work with Defra on this issue. We have already set up daily inspections to identify any dead birds. We continue to respond to the reports and we will remove the birds as soon as we can.
“We do not want any residents removing or touching dead birds. They are to report them to Defra’s GB helpline by calling 03459 335577 and allow trained staff and the appropriate precautions and safe removal to take place by the authorities.”
