Suspected cases of bird flu in Havering have been reported to the government and warning signs installed around the borough's parks, the council has confirmed. 

A UK-wide prevention zone was declared by the government earlier this week amid fears that cases of avian influenza, or bird flu, were rising across the country. 

In Havering, dead birds have been recorded in numerous parks, including Hornchurch Country, Bretons, Harrow Lodge and Raphael. 

Gill Walker, a volunteer rescuer for The Swan Sanctuary, told the Recorder multiple swans had been found dead in Havering’s parks, and she and other volunteers had made landowners aware and asked them to contact the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). 

Now Havering Council, the landowner of the borough’s public parks, has confirmed it has reported cases of dead swans and geese to DEFRA, which is able to collect the bodies and run tests. 

The local authority's spokesperson said: “We’re aware that swans and geese have recently died in Hornchurch Country, Park, Bretons, Harrow Lodge Park, Tyle Green and Raphael Park. We have reported these to DEFRA. 

“There is currently no confirmed detection of bird flu in our borough and Havering is not included in any controlled zones, even though there are reported outbreaks in other parts of Essex. 

“Signage has gone up in our parks just as a precaution to advise dog walkers to keep their pets out of lakes and also to ask that if anyone does spot a dead bird or poultry, to not touch it or pick it up, but report it directly to DEFRA.” 

Romford Recorder: Harrow Lodge Park is among those where birds with suspected avian influenza have been foundHarrow Lodge Park is among those where birds with suspected avian influenza have been found (Image: Ben Lynch)

The prevention zone means strict biosecurity rules are currently in place for birdkeepers, including keeping ranging birds within fenced areas and minimising movement in and out of enclosures. 

The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) said the risk to public health from bird flu is very low, with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) also saying it poses little risk to consumers.   

Anyone who finds one or more dead birds of prey or owl; three or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl, such as swans; or five or more dead birds of any species are asked to call the DEFRA helpline on 03459 335577.