People are warned not to pick up dead birds as avian flu has been confirmed in Cumbria.
If anyone spots a dead bird, they should instead report it to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Bird flu was confirmed earlier this week at premises near Bootle and Cumberland Council said it had received reports of dead wild birds along the west coast.
Dead birds must not be handled by members of the public, and dogs should be kept on leads, if possible, particularly on beaches or in areas where birds are known to gather.
Cumberland Council’s waste team is patrolling accessible beaches on the west coast daily and clearing any dead birds, the authority said.
People should also wash their hands thoroughly if they come into contact with bird faeces.
The disease mainly affects birds, but on rare occasions, it can affect mammals including humans, dogs and cats.
Some species such as ducks, geese and swans can carry the avian influenza virus and spread it without showing any signs of illness.
Colin Cox, director of public health and communities at Cumberland Council, said: “I want to reassure residents that the risk to public health from avian flu is very low.
“However, it is important people do not touch or 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.
“I would also urge bird keepers to be vigilant for any signs of disease and report any suspected cases.”
Reports of dead birds should be made to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 or at gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds. Defra may advise residents to also report dead birds to Cumberland Council on 0300 373 3730 if they are not able to arrange for them to be cleared.
Bird keepers who suspect bird flu in their poultry or other captive birds, must report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301.
Find out more about preventing bird flu and stopping it spreading at gov.uk/guidance/bird-flu-avian-influenza-how-to-prevent-it-and-stop-it-spreading.
Bird flu is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low. However, anyone who is concerned should call NHS 111 or speak to their GP.
