MERSEYSIDE residents are being warned to vigilant after confirmed cases of bird flu in the area.

DEFRA - the government department for environment, food and rural affairs - has issued the warning after five wild birds have been found with the disease in the area.

The department released a report earlier this week confirming that the “highly pathogenic avian influenza,” was found in a number of ducks, gull and cormorant birds.

The report did not state which area of Merseyside the cases were found.

St Helens Council has released a warning to poultry keepers in the area to keep their birds housed under cover and to keep them separate from wild birds.

Public Health England has confirmed that the risks to human health are very low, that bird flu does not pose a risk to food safety and that poultry is safe to eat.

Anyone who comes across any dead birds is asked to report this to DEFRA on 03459 335577).

For more information visit gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu