A cordon has been set up around a lake in Blackpool as three birds died after displaying symptoms of avian flu, also known as bird flu.

Two swans and a Canadian goose died at Blackpool’s Stanley Park and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have been notified.

The cordon was set up in Stanley Park yesterday (15 November) and people are being encouraged to avoid the lake – but are still able to access the park.

 

 

A Blackpool Council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately two swans and a Canadian goose have sadly died at Stanley Park after showing symptoms of what we suspect to be avian flu.

“As a precautionary measure we have cordoned off access to the lake and notified Defra.

"We will continue to monitor the other birds on the lake and ensure they are fed.

“Stanley Park is still open for everyone to enjoy but we advise visitors to respect the cordon and do not go near the edge of the lake.

“It is important that people do not pick up any sick or dead birds to avoid spreading the virus, which can affect humans in rare cases.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Two swans and a Canadian goose died at Blackpool's Stanley ParkTwo swans and a Canadian goose died at Blackpool's Stanley Park

(Photo: Photo © David Dixon (cc-by-sa/2.0) )

It’s not the first case of bird flu to be reported in Lancashire, after a case was confirmed near Salwick last week.

A 3km and 10km temporary control zone has been declared around the premises.

It came into force on Friday (12 November) and will be in place until further notice.

The smaller 3km ‘zone A’ protection zone covers Swillbrook, Woodplumpton, Lea Town, Salwick, and Treales.

The wider 10km controlled zone reaches Bamber Bridge, Lytham, Catterall and Much Hoole.

Temporary road signs will make people aware as they arrive and leave this zone. This control zone restricts access to locations where birds are kept and restrictions on the movement of birds.

A Burnley turkey farmer has expressed concerns about the flu spreading to East Lancashire and said the results would be “devastating” if it hit his farm.

Avian influenza is a disease which mainly affects birds, but on rare occasions, it can affect mammals including humans.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health and Wellbeing for Lancashire County Council, said: "I want to reassure residents that the risk to public health from avian flu is very low.

"However, it is important that people do not pick up any sick or dead birds to avoid spreading the virus, which can affect humans in rare cases.

"If you do find any dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds while out and about, please report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

"I would also urge bird keepers to be vigilant for any signs of disease and report any suspected cases to their nearest Animal and Plant Health Agency office.”

You can find the area covered by the zone online at: https://defra.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8cb1883eda5547c6b91b5d5e6aeba90d

Find out more about Avian Flu at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu

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