UK: Dead Seagulls tested for Bird Flu

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Dead seagulls tested for bird flu

BBC NEWS

Last Updated: Friday, 7 April 2006, 08:56 GMT 09:56 UK 

"The birds were found at a boating lake in the centre of Gloucester

Three seagulls found dead on a city centre boating lake are to be tested for bird flu.The birds were found by a park ranger at Westgate Boating Lake in Gloucester on Thursday.

A Defra spokeswoman the tests were being carried out as a matter of course at the agency's centre in the city.

"Any wild birds found dead anywhere, be they geese or swans, ducks or seagulls, are being tested at the moment," she said. "It is absolutely routine."

Two of the birds have been recovered from the scene, and a third, which was found on the island in the middle of the lake, is to be collected later on Friday. The test results are expected over the weekend, but the Defra spokeswoman said no cordons or exclusion zones would be introduced in the meantime.

A spokesman for Gloucester City Council said: "Three birds, seagulls, were found at the lake yesterday.

"The guidelines state that when three or more birds of the same species are found dead in the same place, an investigation has to be carried out.

"Given the current climate, we took the decision to inform Defra, and they are carrying out tests. This is mainly a precaution, and there is minimal risk."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/gloucestershire/4886566.stm

Edited by Rick - April 07 2006 at 2:21am

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Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest Group	Post Options Post Reply Quote Guests Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: UK: Dead Seagulls tested for Bird Flu Posted: April 07 2006 at 2:20am
	Dead seagulls tested for bird flu BBC NEWS Last Updated: Friday, 7 April 2006, 08:56 GMT 09:56 UK "The birds were found at a boating lake in the centre of Gloucester Three seagulls found dead on a city centre boating lake are to be tested for bird flu.The birds were found by a park ranger at Westgate Boating Lake in Gloucester on Thursday. A Defra spokeswoman the tests were being carried out as a matter of course at the agency's centre in the city. "Any wild birds found dead anywhere, be they geese or swans, ducks or seagulls, are being tested at the moment," she said. "It is absolutely routine." Two of the birds have been recovered from the scene, and a third, which was found on the island in the middle of the lake, is to be collected later on Friday. The test results are expected over the weekend, but the Defra spokeswoman said no cordons or exclusion zones would be introduced in the meantime. A spokesman for Gloucester City Council said: "Three birds, seagulls, were found at the lake yesterday. "The guidelines state that when three or more birds of the same species are found dead in the same place, an investigation has to be carried out. "Given the current climate, we took the decision to inform Defra, and they are carrying out tests. This is mainly a precaution, and there is minimal risk." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/gloucestershire/4886566.stm Edited by Rick - April 07 2006 at 2:21am