GUIDANCE FOR DEALING
WITH BIRDS
01 MARCH 2006
From the WMDC Press and Communications Office
Members
of the public are being urged to watch out for dead birds in the Wakefield
District.
But
Council officials have stressed that this is a precautionary measure and
that people should not be alarmed.
Guidelines
have been issued following the identification of the virulent strain of
Avian Influenza (H5N1) in France.
Councillor
Graham Isherwood, Cabinet member for Environment said: "It is probable
that cases may soon be reported in the UK. Clearly we all need to be
vigilant to ensure we minimise the risks posed by the disease. We do not
want to frighten residents about bird flu but it is important that any cases
are dealt with promptly in order to minimise the impact of the
disease."
John
Hurst, Head of Waste and Environmental Health Services, said that dead bird
finds should be considered in context.
"It
is likely that a starling next to a road will have died as a result of a
traffic accident, however several wild birds found dead at a water park may
have more significant impact," he said.
The
public should report dead birds to members of staff at Wakefield Council
facilities. However, if they find one or more dead swans or wild fowl such
as ducks and geese, more than three dead birds of the same species or more
than five dead birds of different species in the same place, they should
contact the Defra Helpline (08459 33 55 77). Details of the find and its
location will be requested.
Mr.
Hurst cautioned anyone handling dead birds to take care.
"Although
the risks involved are minimal any dead birds should be carefully handled
and personal protective equipment should be used to double bag the carcases.
Gloves, goggles and appropriate face masks should be worn. "
Further
advice can be obtained on the DEFRA web site.
Ref:
PR732
Date: 01/03/06
INDEX
|
