Epidemic (animal)

Avian flu has been confirmed in one case and more birds from other areas are being tested.Bird flu has been confirmed at Cardiff Bay after a swan was found dead. A number of dead birds found at Roath and Hendre Lake are also being tested for the virus. It is rare for bird flu to be passed on to humans, but Cardiff Council has warned the public to avoid contact with dead or sick birds as a precaution.The public has also been asked to refrain from feeding wild birds as this could increase the risk of transmission to other birds. Anyone who touches any dead birds, droppings, feathers, or anything that has touched a dead bird is advised to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.A spokesman for Cardiff Council said: "A case of avian flu has been confirmed in a swan found dead in Cardiff Bay."A number of dead birds have also been reported at Roath Park Lake and Hendre Lake and are currently being tested for the virus."It’s very rare for the H5N1 strain of the flu to be passed on to humans, but as a precaution, please avoid contact with dead or sick birds."Please also avoid feeding wild birds in public places as this encourages them to gather, increasing the risk of transmission."If you touch any dead birds, droppings, feathers or other material that has touched a dead bird, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible."