Weaver Navigation at Sutton Weir

Information provided by Cheshire West and Cheshire East Council

Public notice - Avian Botulism observations

Avian Botulism is suspected on the River Weaver at Sutton Weir and this is the advice suggested.

Members of the public to report to Defra any group of dead birds and to adhere to their following notice

Following tests on dead birds found in water by the weir marked x on the map below, members of the public enjoying this area should be aware of the following precautionary measures, particularly where there is stationary water.

 Do not drink water the area

 Prevent pets entering the water

 Avoid swimming or paddling in the water

 Do not eat fish

 Do not feed water birds

Since the area is not a lake or pond with known poor water quality, it is considered that the risks to public health are not sufficient to prevent the controlled engagement in water sport activities however anyone engaging in water sports should:

 Be informed of the government advice on avian botulism (see below)

 Follow all briefings given by water sports staff in respect of handwashing and showering

 Keep away from still or stagnant areas of water

If you see any further dead birds please call the Defra Helpline on 0345 933 5577.

Avian botulism outbreaks in wild water birds occur relatively frequently in ponds and lakes across England and Wales. They are more common during warm summers, because the bacteria release the botulinum toxin when there is less oxygen in the water, such as during heatwaves.

The type of botulinum toxin most commonly associated with avian botulism has not been reported to be cause human disease and therefore the risk to human health is considered to be very low. However other types of waterborne diseases associated with stagnant or poor quality water can cause human illness and for this reason public precautionary advice is recommended.

Additional Information on avian botulism can be found on the gov.uk website

http://apha.defra.gov.uk/documents/surveillance/diseases/avian-botulism.pdf