Concerns grow for boating lake waterfowl as avian flu sweeps through Britain's wild bird population

 

Waterfowl worries - birds on the boating lake are in peril

CLEETHORPES boating lake is under surveillance as avian flu continues to sweep through Britain's bird population.

Although no species is immune, waterfowl and marine species seem to be particularly vulnerable.

There are particular concerns for the lake's population of resident barnacle geese. In Scotland, many barnacle corpses have been discovered.  

Also at risk are the huge flocks of waders and other shorebirds that overwinter on the mudflats at the mouth of the Humber Estuary.

Yesterday, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was declared across Great Britain, making it a legal requirement for all birdkeepers to follow strict biosecurity measures.

The birds on the boating lake and smaller waters such as the pond in Grimsby's People's Park are semi-domesticated but free-flying and hence not captive or 'kept' in the strictest sense.

North East Lincolnshire Council is still mulling what, if any, measures, should be introduced at the boating lake. 

Although deadly to birds, avian flu is thought to pose little risk to humans.                                         

The lake's barnacle geese - thought to be particularly vulnerable