Suspected bird flu outbreak at Sale Water Park

Public health officials have issued a warning over a suspected avian flu outbreak following the death of several birds at Sale Water Park.

Tests are being conducted to confirm whether the birds that died at Sale Water Park over the last three days had avian flu.

Officials have stressed that the risk to the general public is 'very low' but they have urged anyone using the water park next to the River Mersey to take some simple precautions.

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, can be carried by wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter.

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “Bird flu has been detected in a number of wild birds across Great Britain, including the North West of England. This is normal for this time of year as wild birds carry the disease when migrating to the UK from Europe and Asia.

"Over the last three days, several birds have died at Sale Water Park and are being tested for bird flu. Wild birds are susceptible to a range of diseases and injuries, and not all dead birds will have been infected with bird flu.

“The risk to the general public’s health is very low, but we are urging people to be vigilant when enjoying the water park.

“At this moment, we are asking members of the public not to feed birds directly from their hands and for dog owners to keep their pets on a lead and out of the water.

“If someone sees a dead wild bird, they should not touch it but should report it to the government website.”