Bird flu on the Severn Ham

Sadly, a swan died recently on the Severn Ham and the cause of death has now been confirmed as H5N1 avian flu.

Visitors to the Severn Ham are asked to follow this guidance to reduce the risk of other birds becoming infected.

• Please do not touch any sick or dead wild birds – including swans, Canada geese, ducks and birds of prey
• Please do not feed the swans/ducks/gulls (or pigeons) ; when they crowd together this increases risk of infection
• Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with bird droppings
• Please keep to the footpath
• Keep dogs on a lead and don’t let them touch dead or sick wild birds
• Garden birds seem less likely to be infected (see links below)

The Town Council’s Conservation Adviser is regularly monitoring the bird population on the Severn Ham.  Signs warning that Bird Flu has been detected in the area have been erected at entrance points to the Severn Ham.  Should any further birds become very unwell or die on the Severn Ham, the Town Council has plans in place to cordon off the area and arrange for safe removal.

For more information / Government Updates :

Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England – GOV.UK