Over the past week, many dead seabirds have washed up along the Sefton Coast.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have been informed and Sefton Council awaits confirmation of the cause of the deaths, which may prove to be Avian Flu, better known as bird flu.

The Council is working with DEFRA to ensure all cases are reported and the dead birds are dealt with safely.

It is imperative that all visitors to our coastline follow the guidance below:

• Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds;
• Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings;
• Keep dogs on leads and avoid walking along the tideline;
• Avoid dogs coming into contact with wild birds;
• If you keep poultry or other birds, wash your hands, clean and disinfect footwear before tending to your birds.

We encourage anyone who sees a sick or dead bird on our coastline to report it to DEFRA, either by visiting the designated webpage: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds or calling the helpline: 03459 335577.