Bird flu warnings have been issued in two Kent districts after dead wildlife was found and an outbreak was discovered at a poultry farm.
Several birds and other animals have died in the Chistlet Marshes, near Canterbury.
Bird flu has been found at a farm near Lydd. Photo: iStock/Alan Morris
It is thought that they succumbed to suspected avian influenza.
Meanwhile, an outbreak of the virus has been confirmed at a farm in Lydd – where all the poultry will be culled.
Canterbury City Council has put out a warning to locals, especially dog walkers.
A spokesperson said: “Sadly, today we have to announce that a number of birds have been found dead in the Chislet Marshes area of the district with suspected avian influenza.
“Avian influenza, commonly referred to as bird flu, is circulating in seabirds and other wildlife in the area
Birds at a farm in Lydd will be culled due to an avian flu outbreak
“If you see a dead bird or other wildlife where the cause of death is unclear, please do not touch or remove it. Keep away and do not let your pets (and particularly dogs) go near it.”
Anyone who comes across one of the affected animals is urged to report it to the council on 01227 862000, so that it can be removed.
The spokesperson added: “Public information signs are being put up on key footpaths that provide access across the marshes area.
“This is a popular area for dog walks, so we are urging people to be extra vigilant to keep their pets safe.”
In Lydd, cases of the highly infectious virus have been found on a large commercial poultry farm.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: “Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry near Lydd on November 25.”
A 3km control zone has been put in place, along with a 10km surveillance zone, which stretches from St Mary in the Marsh into East Sussex.
All birds on the premises will be humanely culled.