'Be vigilant' warning as bird flu confirmed in seabirds

People in a Welsh county are being warned to "remain vigilant" after bird flu was detected in seabirds along a stretch of coastline.

Ceredigion council has said residents and visitors should "exercise caution" following confirmed cases of avian influenza in wild seabirds, particularly between Aberaeron and New Quay.

It received a formal notification of avian flu in a guillemot found on New Quay beach, with further reports of deceased seabirds in surrounding areas.

It comes after the first Welsh cases of bird flu in poultry for three years were discovered last month in Pembrokeshire and Wrexham, leading to protection zones being put in place.

The council said it would be installing advisory signage at key beach access points, reminding people not to touch or pick up dead or visibly sick wild birds, keep dogs on leads and on designated footpaths, avoid contact with bird feathers or droppings, and to wash their hands after tending to poultry or other birds.

Members of the public are also being asked to report sightings of dead wild waterfowl – such as swans, geese and ducks - or other wild birds such as gulls or birds of prey to the department for environment, food and rural affairs (Defra).

Matthew Vaux, Ceredigion's cabinet member for public protection said "while the risk to public health is low, vigilance is essential".

"The public is thanked for their cooperation and reminded not to attempt to handle any dead birds," he added.

Bird flu, or avian flu, is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds and, in rare cases, can affect humans.

There are many different types, but the strains of biggest concern in the UK can be spread by close contact with an infected bird - dead or alive - as well as its droppings and surroundings.

NHS advice urges people to avoid contact with live birds where possible, and to wash their hands often with warm water and soap, especially before and after handling food, in particular raw poultry.

Other tips for avoiding the spread include using different utensils for cooked and raw meat, and making sure meat is cooked until steaming hot.