We now have confirmation from the Director of Public Health for County Durham that there is a confirmed outbreak of Avian Flu at Brasside ponds in a number of wild birds.

Across the whole Country we are seeing increasing reports of dead birds from this disease.

As a result of the confirmed cases, our neighbourhood wardens have visited the area, offering advice and guidance to walkers. Posters have also been put on display around the pond.

We are encouraging members of the public not to feed the birds, or to go near dead or dying birds, to avoid interaction with the wildfowl and to wash their hands often, especially after contact with any animal.

Although members of the public may feel concerned, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that the risk to public health is very low and that Avian Influenza is primarily a disease of birds.

We are working closely with UKHSA and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to monitor the situation.

Further advice and information can also be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#public