Council advises caution as cases of avian flu have been recorded in Stockport Park

It has been detected in two geese in Etherow Country Park

Author: Luke WilsonPublished on December 13, 2021

The Stockport Council advises the public not to reach out to sick or dead birds for avian flu cases and not to hand-feed wild birds.

Avian influenza (avian influenza) has been detected in a number of wild birds across the UK, including two geese at Etherow Park in Stockport. DEFRA has confirmed that this is normal for the time of year as wild birds transmit the disease to the UK from Europe and Asia.

The UK health authority has confirmed that the risk to public health is very low. In addition, the Food Standards Agency has stated that avian flu poses a very low safety risk for UK consumers and that properly cooked eggs and poultry are safe to eat.

As a precaution, the council advises residents not to hand-feed wild birds in winter.

She also advises the public not to pick up or treat sick or dead birds of any kind that they might find feeding ducks and geese at one of Stockport’s ponds, but instead call the DEFRA hotline on 03459 33 55 77.

Councilor Jude Wells, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health, Stockport Council, commented:

“It is important that the public not be alarmed by this notice as avian flu is widespread at this time of year. But if you follow the advice on how to deal with wild birds such as ducks, geese, seagulls or birds of prey this winter, you can be sure to protect yourself and avoid infection. I want to reiterate that there is very little safety risk for those who consume eggs or poultry. So there is no need to change their behavior other than avoid touching birds, especially those that are sick or dead. “

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