Warning issued by New Milton Town Council as bird deaths at Ballard Lake spark avian flu fears

There are fears avian flu has spread to New Milton after a number of birds were found dead at a town beauty spot.

The alarm was raised on Saturday by a member of the public who reported seeing a carcass at the side of the water at Ballard Lake, off Lake Grove Road and Fernhill Lane.

And on Sunday, more dead birds were said to have been found at the site, and this morning Defra staff removed carcasses.

This comes weeks after bird flu deaths in and around Christchurch saw a 3km animal control zone put in place

New Milton Town Council confirmed that Defra had collected bird carcases for testing.

Posting online on Sunday afternoon, the council said: “We are aware of the sad situation at Ballard Lake and the death of birds of suspected bird flu.

“Defra have collected the birds for testing. In the meantime please do not touch or go near any sick, injured or dead birds.

“While bird flu rarely infects humans and dogs it is best to stay safe and not have contact.”

It urged people to report any issues by emailing info@newmiltontowncouncil.gov.uk

The deaths sparked concerns among residents, with some fearing all of the lake’s birdlife could be wiped out, and that it could spread to Lymington.

One local posted: “There is one dead carcass by the side of the lake and there is another baby which looks very ill, which is swimming round and round in circles in the lake – the parents have abandoned it.”

The posts prompted dozens of comments from concerned locals.

One wrote: “So sad to see this disease get to Ballard Lake. Sadly they all come together when people feed them which is not what they need right now. I do hope it doesn't wipe them all out.”

A Defra spokesperson told the A&T it was “unable to comment on any testing or reports… as the results will not yet be ready for publication”.

As previously reported, two peregrine falcons, which had been nesting in Christchurch Priory’s tower, were found dead in May.

Later that month, it was revealed testing by the Animal and Plant Health Agency found the female peregrine tested positive for avian flu.

But Priory vicar Canon Charles Stewart told the A&T today that no confirmation of the cause of the male’s death – also feared to be bird flu – had yet been received.

Several swans were also found dead on The Avon during May.

As well as these, there have been other bird deaths in several areas within the control zone, which has seen red warning signs erected.

Areas in the Christchurch control zone include Hurn, Bournemouth airport, Avon Causeway and St Catherine’s Hill.

Those in the area who are registered with Defra as having chickens or other captive birds are being contacted by officers to check they are keeping them indoors and giving advice on how to spot the symptoms of bird flu.