More than 150 birds found dead at nature reserve in suspected avian flu outbreak
ATTENBOROUGH VISITORS TOLD NOT TO TOUCH OR FEED BIRDS AND KEEP DOGS ON LEADS
STAFF at a Nottinghamshire nature reserve have been dealing with the “traumatic” loss of more than 150 birds in what is believed to be an outbreak of avian flu.
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust said staff had been finding dead birds at Attenborough Nature Reserve, off Barton Lane, Chilwell, over the course of the past 10 days but added that numbers now seem to be slowing.
The UK has been dealing with an unprecedented number of avian flu cases this year.
Restrictions have affected domestic birds and worrying reports have emerged over the impact on wild birds including sea bird colonies.
Speaking on behalf of the wildlife trust, head of communications Erin Mcdaid said: “This incident has been traumatic for everyone connected with the reserve.
“Whilst we are still awaiting confirmation from DEFRA [the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] that we are dealing with avian flu, we are taking the situation extremely seriously.
“Our team are collecting carcasses and dealing with distressed birds as quickly as possible – but we need people to be aware that there may be some unavoidable delays in responding due to the size of the reserve, the numbers of birds affected and the availability of trained staff and equipment such as boats.”
The trust has temporarily fenced off the approach to the Nature Centre, which remains open, to discourage bird feeding and limit opportunities for contact between birds and people. It is also calling on visitors to help by not feeding the birds, keeping dogs on leads and reporting dead birds directly to the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
Mr Mcdaid added: “Attenborough is a much-loved destination and it has been distressing for many people over the past 10 days, but visitors can play their part by not touching or feeding birds, keeping dogs on leads and by washing hands regularly – something that has become second nature to us all over the past couple of years.”
Previously, outbreaks have been identified at a poultry farm near Lowdham, as well as at other beauty spots across Nottinghamshire.
Our team are collecting carcasses and dealing with distressed birds as quickly as possible
Erin Mcdaid