AVIAN flu cases have been confirmed in Worcestershire and advice has been shared by a local community group.
DEFRA, Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, has confirmed avian flu in Leigh Sinton, near Malvern as the country deals with its largest outbreak ever.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed on October 14 in a mixed flock of captive birds at premises in the area.
A 3km captive bird monitoring controlled zone has been put in place around the premises and all of the birds are to be humanely culled.
Following an increase in the number of detections, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone across Great Britain has been declared to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds.
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From midday today (Monday 17 October) it will be a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian flu.
As well as Leigh Sinton, The Swan Food Project is fearing that the disease has found its way to Worcester.
Marilyn McCarthy, from The Swan Food Project, believes that several sick swans in Worcester could be suffering from the disease.
She said: "We have seen some unwell swans recently in the river and there have been a few that have died as well.
"Avian influenza is the most likely cause but that has yet to be confirmed by DEFRA as it is not always easy to get bodies for testing.
"At County Hall, there were seven cygnets that have recently died which could well have been the disease as well."
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Marilyn reminded the public to not approach swans or any other wild birds in order to protect against the spread of the disease.
She said: "The public should not ever be touching swans, stroking them or hand feeding them, which is never a good idea.
"If people see a dead swan, it can be reported via Worcester City Council, with as much detail as possible to help the recovery.
"Sometimes swans that are sleeping can be taken for dead, but typically we have seen that sick swans do tend to sleep more.
"They are not pets so all we can do is let them live their lives in peace and keep an eye out to ensure they are healthy."
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