The public are being urged not to pick up or touch sick or dead birds, following an outbreak of Avian Flu in the wild bird population. Dog owners are also being asked to be extra vigilant and keep their dogs away from them. 
 

Over recent weeks dozens of dead sea birds have been found along the Northumberland coastline – especially on beaches around Amble, Druridge, Newbiggin, Warkworth, Cresswell and Seaton Sluice. 

Testing carried out by DEFRA has confirmed that the cause of death is Avian influenza. This virus circulates naturally in wild birds and when they migrate to the UK from mainland Europe over the winter, they can spread the disease to poultry and other captive birds. 

The disease has also struck the sea bird colony on Coquet Island - home to four tern species, gulls and eider ducks - with devastating consequences. 

Elizabeth Morgan, Director of Public Health at Northumberland County Council said: 

“I want to reassure residents that the risk to public health from avian flu is very low. 
 

“The discovery of dead birds is always upsetting but it is really important that people do not pick up or touch any sick or dead birds to avoid spreading the virus, which can affect humans in rare cases. 

“As well as issuing an appeal for the public not to touch or move dead birds, I am also asking dog owners to keep their pets away from them.” 

While the risk to pet dogs from avian influenza is usually very low, dog walkers are also being asked to be extra cautious around wildfowl and are being advised to stick to footpaths and use leads where there are large numbers of birds in order to reduce their animal's exposure to creatures which could be infected. 

If a member of the public comes across a dead wild bird, they are asked to report it to DEFRA on 03459 335577 (select option 7). DEFRA will investigate and decide if they need to collect samples for recording, testing and analysis. Providing good location information for a dead or diseased bird is particularly important and location apps such as 'what3words' can be very helpful. 
 

If DEFRA indicate that they do not intend to collect any dead birds, contact the council’s customer services on 0345 600 6400. The council will arrange collection from public land or where appropriate, will inform the landowner to arrange removal of birds found on private land. 
 
Landowners should seek advice about their obligation to arrange compliant collection and disposal of dead birds affected by Avian Influenza as animal by product category 1 waste through a licenced livestock contractor.  
 
For more information please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/animal-by-product-categories-site-approval-hygiene-and-disposal