Salford residents urged not to touch dead birds following increase in reports

Salford City Council is urging residents to avoid contact with dead or sick wild birds following a recent increase in reports across the city.

Avian influenza (bird flu) has affected parts of the UK over the past year and previously impacted areas of Salford. While reports had reduced in recent months, the Council has received a number of reports of dead birds being found in parks, open spaces and around water bodies across Salford over the last 10 days.

As a precautionary measure, all reported dead birds are being collected and disposed of safely by a specialist contractor appointed by the Council. This is to minimise any potential risk associated with avian influenza. Warning posters are also being displayed in parks and locations near lakes, ponds and other water areas across the city, advising residents not to touch or handle dead birds.

Public advice

Residents are advised to:

• Do not touch, move or attempt to dispose of dead birds.
• Keep children away from dead or sick birds.
• Keep dogs under close control in affected areas and prevent them from investigating dead birds.
• Avoid feeding wild birds in parks and open spaces at this time, as feeding encourages birds to congregate, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
• Report any dead birds found in public areas to the council.

Continued monitoring

Salford City Council continues to monitor the situation closely and will ensure that any reported dead birds are removed as quickly as possible.

This page was last updated on 28 July 2026