Number of Crewe residents issued with bird flu warning letter

A number of Crewe and Nantwich residents were sent a letter from the UK Chief Vet, warning them that there had been an outbreak of the Avian Influenza in the area.

The avian strain influenza in this outbreak presents a low risk to human health, but it is highly pathogenic for birds.

Birds can catch and spread the disease easily, which is a worry for local farms and parks.

The letter reads: "You have received this letter because your property was in a previously declared Al protection or surveillance zone.

"In order to ensure the health status of birds within the area around confirmed infections, we need to complete a survey of susceptible birds.

"If you keep poultry such as chickens, ducks or geese, game birds, pigeons or other birds even if you keep them as pets we need you to take action."

Crewe's Queens Park holds a number of ducks, geese and swans. There are also a large amount of pigeons in the area.

The Park Life Cafe sells duck food for visitors to feed the birds. It is advised that all visitors to the park stop feeding them for the time being.

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A visitor to Queen's Park, who asked for her name not to be used, said: "I'm surprised so little has been made of this when a question mark still hangs over the health of the nation and indeed the local community.

"I visited Queen's Park on Sunday and saw many families feeding the birds and mingling with them close by. It passed through my mind about the letter I had received and of course many other local people.

"There was a case in rural Nantwich and by its very nature this disease can travel. Worth everyone bearing this in mind when they visit areas of high bird population like Queen's Park or Nantwich Lake."

Crewe resident Benita King, who lives within a short walk of the park, said: "This is so sad. I hope the bird flu doesn't make it to the park."

Back in January, Queens Park, Crewe Facebook posted on social media: "You might have seen the signs in the park asking you not to feed the birds recently. The Avian Flu risk is extremely high at this time of year and it's getting closer."

The Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs warned: "If you do not keep poultry or captive birds, you can still help by reporting dead wild birds."

If you see any dead wild waterfowl or other dead wild birds in Crewe, you should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 335577.

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