FOUR birds had to be put down after showing signs of avian flu. 

The news was revealed by Wibsey's ward councillors. 

Last week, the Telegraph & Argus reported that dead birds had been found in Wibsey Park's lake. 

At the time, a Bradford Council spokesperson said: “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 Animal and Plant Health Agency. as soon as possible.”

DEFRA said it could not comment on the situation in Wibsey Park as the results were not yet ready for publication.

Today, a post on the Labour Wibsey councillors' Facebook page said: "A very sad situation and one not confined to Wibsey Park.

"Officers called DEFRA on the 19th December and were advised to leave the birds as they were likely going to collect the birds for examination.

"If DEFRA had not collected in four days Council would have to collect them and follow the correct procedure for disposal.

"On December 22nd RSPCA attended the park and informed the Council that two dead swans were taken away, also two live swans and two live Canada geese were taken, these were later put down.

"All birds were showing signs of Avian flu and have been sent away for testing.

"We will be updated when the results are back. The RSPCA will be checking again just after Christmas."

What is avian flu?

The UK Health Security Agency says: "Bird flu is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds and there are many different types. Some strains of bird flu can pass to humans but this is extremely rare. It usually requires very close contact with an infected bird so the risk to humans is considered very low.

"An avian influenza outbreak can occur at any point in the year. However, the UK typically faces a seasonal increase in the risk of an avian influenza associated with the winter migration patterns of wild birds.

"Infected wild waterfowl can then infect local and sedentary wild bird species, poultry or other captive birds resulting in local transmission either directly between birds or indirectly by birds coming into contact with environmental contamination, including faeces and feathers from infected birds."

It's very important that people do not touch dead or sick birds. Instead, report it to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.