Birds at an internationally-important nature reserve in Suffolk have tested positive for bird flu following examinations by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
RSPB Minsmere have confirmed at least 60 birds have died, including common terns, sandwich terns and black-headed gulls.
All three of these species are on the amber list, meaning their conservation status is of moderate concern.
One Kittiwake has also died - a species on the red list, meaning they are in critical decline.
RSPB Minsmere senior site manager Nick Forster said: "We can confirm that dead birds tested by Defra for avian influenza at RSPB Minsmere last week have tested positive for the disease.
"We appreciate that it is distressing, for both visitors and staff, to see dead or dying birds at our site but we ask that if visitors see any dead or unwell birds, they do not touch or go near them."
Visitors are asked to report any sightings of sick or dead birds on the reserve, including details such as quantity, species and location, to the Minsmere Visitor Centre during its opening hours, or by emailing minsmere@rspb.org.uk.
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