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Avian influenza

Bird Flu Outbreak Hits Christchurch, New Deaths Reported in Wild Birds

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A PEREGRINE falcon has been found dead in Christchurch, amid a new outbreak of bird flu. The female bird of prey, which had laid eggs in the nest just three weeks earlier, was found at the Priory. While it is not yet confirmed whether the bird died from bird flu, the incident has raised concerns about the spread of the virus in the area. Meanwhile, two swans and a cygnet were also found dead in Mudeford last week.

Key Takeaways:

  • A female peregrine falcon was found dead at the Priory in Christchurch, despite laying eggs in the nest just three weeks earlier.
  • Two swans and a cygnet were found dead in Mudeford last week, raising concerns about the spread of bird flu in the area.
  • The risk of avian flu passing from infected dead birds to humans is low, according to the BCP Council.
  • Residents are advised not to touch dead wild birds and to report any dead wild birds to the DEFRA helpline.
  • DEFRA remains tight-lipped about whether bird flu has been noted in the area, saying it is unable to comment on any testing or reports of bird flu.
  • The Animal and Plant Health Agency, part of Defra, carries out year-round surveillance of dead wild birds submitted via public reports and warden patrols.
  • A confirmed case of bird flu was found at Longham Lakes last month.
  • Bird flu, also known as avian flu, is a virus that has been around for a number of years in the UK and can spread among birds and rarely affect humans.
  • There are four strains of bird flu viruses that have caused concern in recent years, including H5N1, H7N9, and H5N6.

Statistics:

  • One peregrine falcon was found dead at the Priory in Christchurch.
  • Three birds (two swans and a cygnet) were found dead in Mudeford last week.
  • The risk of avian flu passing from infected dead birds to humans is considered low by the BCP Council.
  • 5 or more dead birds of any species should be reported to DEFRA.
  • DEFRA has not commented on any testing or reports of bird flu in the area.
  • A confirmed case of bird flu was found at Longham Lakes last month.

Sources:

  • The Priory
  • Dorset Police
  • BCP Council
  • DEFRA
  • Animal and Plant Health Agency
  • NHS
  • RSPCA (note: no comment was obtained from the RSPB)

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