Diss Mere has been cordoned off to prevent people feeding wild birds in the wake of the outbreak of H5N1 avian flu in a flock of free-range turkeys at nearby Redgrave.
Diss Mere has been cordoned off to prevent people feeding wild birds in the wake of the outbreak of H5N1 avian flu in a flock of free-range turkeys at nearby Redgrave.
Diss Town Council has taken advice from Defra and organised for barriers to be put up around the mere along with signs advising people not to feed the birds.
Town clerk Deborah Sarson said: “It is just a precaution and as soon as the source of the outbreak has been established and it is not coming from wild birds then the barriers will be removed. This has been done to discourage people from feeding the birds and doesn't mean that we have got bird flu in Diss. It is just to ensure public safety.”
Mrs Sarson also appealed to people to come to the town as usual. “Traders are apparently very concerned as footfall in the town is down because of the bird flu. Diss is still open for business as usual. Christmas is a crucial time of year for traders and it is important that we support them.”
ends
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