Bird flu - no panic but keep an eye out for dead birds

Following recent cases in Turkey, Romania and Greece, fears are growing that the disease is spreading across Europe.

As of October 10, the deadly H5N1 strain of avian flu had infected 117 people in Asia, leading to 60 deaths.

Although the risk of the disease spreading to England is considered to be low, vigilance by the public may help to stem any possible outbreak.

In Arundel, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is expecting its migratory birds as usual, but there are no plans to try to stop the birds landing.

"The whole of the UK is expecting wintering migratory birds at this time of year," said James Sharpe, manager of Arundel Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. "We are basically on the lookout for any infected birds. There's a minimal risk and no real cause for concern at this time."

Ruth Cromie, waterbird biology research manager at the WWT, said: "The risk is fairly low and in terms of human health, no cases have been reported of people catching bird flu from wild birds. The people who have been infected caught the disease from poultry.

"With the disease not in the country, it's business as usual at WWT centres around the country. All this talk of ducks of doom coming to kill us is a bit far-fetched.

"We are asking the public to be on the lookout for any large-scale, unusual bird deaths but not deaths of single birds, as they die of an enormous number of diseases."

Although the risk of the disease being passed to humans is said to be minimal, the NHS is preparing for that possibility.

Adur, Arun and Worthing Primary Care Trust has advised "at risk" groups, including the elderly, and people with heart or lung problems, to follow government advice and have a standard flu jab.

Anyone who sees a large number of dead birds should call the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs helpline on 08459 335577.