Warning after dead gull tests positive for bird flu

A herring gull found dead has tested positive for bird flu, the Animal and Plant Health Agency has confirmed.

The bird was found in Whitehaven and the agency said it was aware of a number of other wild bird deaths in the area.

Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners said a number of positive cases of avian influenza had also been reported in the Whitehaven Harbour area.

A spokesman said that people should not "panic" but refrain from touching or picking up dead or sick birds and report any discoveries online.

Earlier in the year bird flu was found in Burnopfield, Lazonby in Cumbria and in dead swans found in a park in Chester-le-Street.

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