AN animal rescuer in Furness has reported what she suspects have been at least three cases of Avian influenza in a week to DEFRA.

Also known as bird flu, the highly contagious infection is caused by several strains of influenza A virus.

It is found in bird populations worldwide and some of these strains have previously spread from wild birds to domestic poultry.

The last cases of bird flu identified in Westmorland and Furness were in August of this year.

The disease presents suddenly, often with very high mortality, with affected birds developing swollen heads, a blue colouration of the comb and wattles, dullness, lack of appetite, respiratory distress, diarrhoea and significant drop in egg production.

Rachel Wilson, who runs Rachel's Wildlife, was an Information Officer at Cumbria Wildlife Trust and is a qualified marine mammal medic.

She has reported the suspected cases to DEFRA, the government Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

Rachel said: "We believe we are seeing a rising number of bird flu cases in and around Barrow again.

"I and other animal rescuers have come across a number of deceased birds and a swan with flu-like symptoms in the early stages.

"A swan I rescued sadly passed away this week and there was another last week at Canal Foot in Ulverston, confirmed by Caroline, another animal rescuer.

"There is now another possible case of a goosander in Ormsgill Reservoir, all in the space of a week. These are just the ones I know of so I urge people the public to stick to the advised rules set out by DEFRA."

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) carries out year-round surveillance of dead wild birds submitted via public reports and warden patrols as part of its wild bird surveillance programme.

APHA publishes a weekly report of avian flu found in wild birds across the UK. The suspected case were reported to DEFRA yesterday (November 30) and the day before (November 29).

As of yet, these results haven't been published and therefore DERFA is unable to comment on any testing or reports that are not listed at this site as the results will not yet be ready for publication. 

In relation to the suspected cases, DEFRA has provided some help and advice for those in the region.

"Members of the public are encouraged to report findings of dead wild birds using the online reporting system or by calling the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77).

  • Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water if you touch wild bird faeces or feathers or after feeding wild birds. 

  • Keepers must keep a close watch on their birds for any signs of disease, and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns.

    Clinical signs indicative of avian influenza must be reported in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact to the local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.

  • See our Bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) guidance for further information."