DEFRA says a number of dead seagulls found on a beach have tested positive for bird flu.
A dog-walker found 30 dead seagulls on one stretch of beach in Cornwall and reported them to the authorities.
The birds were found on Longrock Beach, Penzance and reported to Cornish Wildlife Trust, which notified DEFRA, reports CornwallLive.
The woman said: “It was very unusual and quite disturbing, as I’m used to seeing the occasional dead bird, but never so many so close together.”
DEFRA’s Animal and Plant Health Agency has now confirmed that some of the gulls have tested positive for avian influenza (bird flu).
A spokesman said: “We are aware of a number of wild bird deaths in the Longrock area near Penzance, Cornwall.
“These deaths are currently under investigation and five gulls collected from the area have been found positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1.”
Dead seagulls found on Longrock Beach - some of which have tested positive for bird flu
Bird flu is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds and can infect humans.
Dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, should be reported to the Defra helpline (03459 335577).
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low.
Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.
