Wildlife volunteers fear spread of bird flu

Eight swans have been found dead at Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street since March

Wildlife volunteers have questioned advice issued by the government to control the outbreak of bird flu.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has told bird owners in Cumbria, County Durham, Northumberland and Tyneside to keep their birds inside and continue to follow strict biosecurity rules.

The department also advises against feeding ducks, swans, geese and gulls due to the current avian flu outbreak.

But Howard Sherrington, volunteer at Pawz for Thought in Sunderland, said: "If you have a flock that's used to being fed, the flock will move on and I worry it will spread."

Eight dead birds have been discovered at Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street since early March and some have been confirmed as having had avian influenza.

Mr Sherrington found the swans and reported the issue to Defra, but worries some of the wild bird advice can be difficult for the public to follow.

"I understand that Defra wants to minimise contact between humans and the birds, but the avian community still has concerns," he said.

Volunteers in County Durham have concerns about the potential further spread of bird flu

Defra said people should always wash their hands with soap and water after feeding wild birds, and stressed they can spread avian flu to captive birds.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) would also be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review, it added.

Friends of Riverside Park volunteer Claire Todd said: "I just hope it doesn't spread too much, as the swans are big part of why visitors come to the park."