Beachgoers warned to keep away from birds as zoo closes after outbreak of avian flu Home

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https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/beachgoers-warned-keep-away-birds-27900972

Paignton Zoo in Devon has had to shut after two confirmed cases of avian flu while Torbay Council has been putting up warnings telling people not to interact with birds

Paignton Zoo in Devon suddenly closed its doors on Bank Holiday Monday

Paignton Zoo in Devon suddenly closed its doors on Bank Holiday Monday (

Image: MARK PASSMORE/APEX)

By

Edward Church

Estel Farell-Roig

  • 18:43, 3 Sep 2022

An outbreak of bird flu has meant one of the South West’s most popular attractions is having to remain shut.

Paignton Zoo in Devon suddenly closed its doors on Bank Holiday Monday (August 29) because of a suspected case of avian flu – colloquially known as bird flu.

Elsewhere in the area, Torbay Council has been putting up warnings for bird flu and, on lampposts near a local beach, signs have been placed telling people not to interact with birds, reports DevonLive.

The signs warn that “avian influenza is circulating in this area” and tells people not to touch dead or sick wild birds, keep dogs away from the birds and to not feed wild birds.

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The zoo is having to cull the affected birds

The zoo is having to cull the affected birds ( 

Image: MARK PASSMORE/APEX)

A statement from the zoo shared yesterday (September 2) said the cases had been confirmed and that the venue would therefore remain closed.

It said that zoo management are working with the Department of Food, Environment and Rural Affairs to manage the outbreak.

The zoo is having to cull the affected birds, with the zoo describing this as “heart-breaking”.