PIGEON fanciers are getting into a flap over a local authority hand-out warning the public about diseased birds.

The Blackburn with Darwen Council publication gives details of diseases carried by feral pigeons and advises people to stop feeding them.

But members of the Royal Racing Pigeon Association (RRPA) say the bird pictured on the leaflet is a ringed racing pigeon and should not be associated with its sickly counterparts.

Howard Akerman, of Darwen, RRPA North West secretary, said: "Two or three members of the association have contacted me and are very worked up about this leaflet. The council have not researched this properly because the feral and the racing pigeon are two completely different breeds.

"People will see pigeons in the town centre and think they are all racing pigeons, which can't fly if they are ill. This will give fanciers a bad name"

Feral pigeons carry disease but the racing variety can't fly if they are ill - which is no use to a pigeon fancier - so we take them to the vets immediately. I defy anyone to find a diseased racing pigeon in this town."

Mr Akerman added: "If people associate the diseased ferals with racing pigeons, .

"We actually offered the council help in putting together this leaflet but they did not take it up. I will be contacting them now to express my anger and disappointment their ignorance."

A spokesman for Blackburn with Darwen's environmental health department said: "The leaflet was produced 12 months ago and offers appropriate advice on how to deal with feral pigeons.

"The photograph was for illustration purposes only. It is due to be updated soon, to incorporate the new council logo and the RRPA's comments will be taken into consideration when compiling the new design."

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