Warning after dead swans found in park
Getty ImagesA warning has been issued after dead swans were found at a park.
Multiple dead birds were discovered at Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street but the cause of death has yet to be confirmed, Durham County Council said.
The authority is warning people not to go near dead or sick birds and is urging owners to "remain alert".
The deaths have been reported to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The park is just outside Defra's six-mile (10km) surveillance zone put in force after cases of avian influenza were discovered at two premises near Blaydon in Gateshead.
The county council director of public health, Amanda Healy, said: "As a precaution, we are asking people not to go near dead or sick birds, to avoid interaction with birds and to wash their hands regularly, especially after coming into contact with animals.
"We are also encouraging bird keepers to remain alert for any signs of disease, to report suspected disease immediately and to ensure they are maintaining good hygiene on their premises."