Wetland centre closes over suspected bird flu

In autumn the reserve fills with thousands of migratory birds including up to 50,000 pink-footed geese

A wetland nature reserve has temporarily closed after a possible case of avian influenza.

Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Burscough, Lancashire, said it related to one of the collection birds.

The centre said it was "working with the relevant government agencies and are taking measures to prevent the spread of this bird disease".

It said protecting the "birds in our care and those returning for winter refuge", as well as the safety of visitors and staff, was its "utmost priority".

Pintail and wigeon

Anyone who had already booked a visit was advised their tickets would be valid on any alternative date when the site reopens.

Martin Mere, which opened to the public in 1975, is a designated site of special scientific interest, a special protection area and a Ramsar Site - which means it is wetland designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

In autumn the reserve fills with thousands of migratory birds including up to 50,000 pink-footed geese, flocks of pintail and wigeon and whooper swans.

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, can be carried by wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter.

The centre said the closure was enacted by the government's Animal and Plant Health Agency on Thursday, just after 14:00 BST.

"We're awaiting the outcome of testing before we can confirm on how and in which way we open to visitors," it added.