Council encourages public to exercise caution over reported bird deaths

Concerns have been raised about a recent increase in birds dying in and around the River Great Ouse.

Bedford Borough Council are currently unable to confirm their cause of death so are encouraging residents to exercise caution as they work with Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to investigate.

The Council are encouraging residents to not touch any sick or dead birds and request that if they find any dead or visibly sick birds in the local area, they are not fed or touched. Instead, cases should be reported to Defra's GB helpline by calling 03459 335577.

If you keep poultry or other birds, please wash your hands and clean and disinfect your footwear before tending to them.

Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: "We are continuing to wait on Defra for the results of their tests. We have a daily inspection set up and carried out by our staff to identify any dead birds. We continue to respond to the reports and we will remove the birds as soon as we can. If the birds are in the water then we do need a trained person and equipment, boat to recover them so it can take up to 36 hours to remove. We do not want any residents removing or touching dead birds. They are to report them and allow trained staff and the appropriate precautions and safe removal to take place by the authorities."