St Helens on alert after confirmed outbreaks of bird flu in surrounding areas

Last week, an outbreak of avian bird flu was confirmed in nearby Upholland, with a government spokesperson stating that all birds at the non-commercial premises will now be "humanely culled".

A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance zone has also been implemented around the area in an attempt to prevent the spread of the infectious disease - which follows strict government guidance to limit the spread of the disease.

Avian flu often comes from wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter months, and although it does not usually affect humans, it can prove deadly to birds and other animals.

In addition to the recent local outbreak, there were also confirmed avian flu cases in Widnes last month, detected by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) in the River Mersey at Spike Island.

Avian flu can prove deadly to birds and protection zones can be implemented to stop it spreading

There have been suspected cases reported in St Helens recently, but as yet there have been no confirmed cases in the borough.

However, in response to the most recent local outbreak, the Council have now placed Moss Bank, Rainford and Billinge under a "declared surveillance zone" - with farms, allotments and small holdings contacted with advice and guidance on managing their flocks.

All bird owners are encouraged to follow the strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread and eradicate the disease of bird flu; with it now a legal requirement to keep birds indoors or housed in a way to prevent them from coming into contact with wild birds.

Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.

The council also informs residents not to touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find, and to ring the Defra hotline on 03459 335577 if you do so.