Recently there has been a Government notification on Avian Flu - ‘Bird Flu’ - across the UK. This requires keepers of birds to follow strict biosecurity and reporting rules to limit the spread of Avian Flu.
Wild and captive birds throughout the UK have tested positive for the disease. Although the UK Health Security Agency advise that the risk to the public from the detected strains of bird flu is currently very low, it is important not to touch or feed wild birds or pick up or touch any dead or sick birds.
We are unable to prevent wild birds from getting the virus but staff from Solihull Council are carrying out enhanced monitoring of our parks and waterbodies to check for signs of illness and will ensure that any dead birds found are removed.
How you can help
In parks, please:
- keep to the footpath
- keep dogs on leads
- do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds
- do not touch or feed wild birds
- do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings
If you see any of the following incidents of dead wild birds, please report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 immediately:
- one or more dead bird of prey or owl
- three or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks)
- five or more dead birds of any species
Please could you also call our Contact Centre at 0121 704 8000 so that we can send our team to investigate.