BRADFORD Council is taking "active measures" after dead birds were found in a park. 

The birds were found in the lake at Wibsey Park.

A Council spokesperson said the cause of these deaths is unknown but it could be avian flu, which can be found in the wild bird population. 

It is installing advice and warning signage and has urged people not to touch or move sick birds and to report them to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

A post on the Wibsey Labour Councillors' Facebook page said: "Update on the dead wild birds at Wibsey Park, three Swans and a Canada Goose thus far.

"This has been reported to DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) who usually come to test and remove the bodies.

"This is in the context of the wider bird flu outbreaks.

"Very sad."

Councillor Ralph Berry (Lab, Wibsey) said: “It’s very very sad.

“Swans are part of the parks’ attraction and very popular with people who come here.

“It’s not a very nice sight walking past the lake and seeing a dead swan.

“It looks as though these birds have died from the avian flu epidemic and I hope it breaks soon as it’s just really sad.

“I’ve had a lot of messages and emails from people about it and everyone is just sad but there’s a process we have to follow.”

A Bradford Council spokesperson, said: “We are aware of a small number of dead birds that have been found in Wibsey Park Lake.

“The cause of death is currently unknown but avian flu, which is in the wild bird population, may be responsible.

“There have been a few isolated cases in the district so we are treating this seriously and have reported the deaths to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

“We are taking active measures to prevent the spread of the disease including installing advice and warning signage.

“The UK Health Security Agency believes the risk to the public from bird flu is very low, however, we advise people not to touch or move sick birds and report them to the APHA as soon as possible.”

DEFRA has confirmed 132 cases of Avian flu in England over the last week.

A spokesperson said APHA carries out year-round surveillance of dead wild birds via reports submitted by the public and warden patrols.

They added that DEFRA could not comment on the situation in Wibsey Park as the results are not yet ready for publication.

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