The outbreak of Avian flu at Salford Quays is thought to have ended, despite ongoing concern for birds throughout Britain.
The news comes after no birds have been found dead in the area for more than 14 days, Councillor Barbara Bentham confirmed today.
An outbreak of Avian flu was confirmed by Salford City Council just under two months ago, on January 20 2023.
The outbreak resulted in Salford Watersports Centre suspending some of their in-water ‘high-risk’ activities, to ensure the safety of participants.
Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment, neighbourhoods and community safety, said: “Since the outbreak began in late December, Salford City Council has closely monitored the situation, taking advice from the DEFRA and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on risk management.
“We believe the specific outbreak at the Quays has now ended as it has been more than 14 days since a bird was found dead in the area. However the national outbreak continues which means birds in the area are still at risk of becoming infected. We will continue to monitor the situation as the outbreak continues.”
Despite The Quays’ outbreak over, the public are still being advised to take precautions around wildlife.
Cllr Bentham continued: “The government has placed Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ). This means that by law anyone who keeps birds such as chickens or caged birds which live outside must follow the hygiene and disease prevention rules and keep birds housed to protect them from bird flu and stop the disease spreading.
“Anyone who keeps 50 birds or more must register them but we would advise anyone with smaller flocks to voluntarily register them to get the latest information and updates on their health and wellbeing and avian flu.”
“Members of the public should continue to take care around wild birds in any area and avoid touching birds, dead or alive or their feathers or faeces.
“Please report sick or injured birds to the RSPCA and any dead birds to Defra in case the bird died of avian flu. The disease can spread to humans through close contact with infected birds or their droppings but the risk is low. The NHS offers advice on sensible health precautions.”
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