Concerns raised over increase in birds dying near River Great Ouse
Bedford Borough Council is working with Defra on the increased number of bird deaths
A recent increase in birds dying in and around the River Great Ouse has raised concerns.
Right now, Bedford Borough Council are unable to confirm their cause of death and are currently working with Defra (Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs) to find out more.
People are being encouraged to avoid touching and feeding any sick or dead birds. If sightings are made then people should report the cases to Defra's GB hotline.
Those who keep poultry or other birds and also being asked to wash their hands and clean and disinfect footwear before tending to them.
Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “We are continuing to wait on Defra for the results of their tests.
“We have a daily inspection set up and carried out by our staff to identify any dead birds. We continue to respond to the reports and we will remove the birds as soon as we can. If the birds are in the water then we do need a trained person and equipment, boat to recover them so it can take up to 36 hours to remove."