A family destination in Lancashire is back open ahead of half-term after successfully containing a bird flu outbreak.
Martin Mere Wetland Centre, near Rufford, closed on Thursday (23 October) after a suspected outbreak of the disease but said they hoped they closure would be temporary.
Management has been working with the government since then and those cases of bird flu have now been confirmed.
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But strict measures in place to protect other birds, as well as staff and visitors, mean the site is able to reopen to the public.
A spokesperson for Martin Mere said: “We closed our doors on Thursday 23 October, according to government guidelines. Since then, we’ve been working with the relevant government agencies to take measures to protect the birds at our wetland centre.
“Testing, conducted by the UK government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), confirms we have avian influenza in some of our collection birds. These birds reside in an enclosed area, away from areas used by visitors. A full inspection of the site has been conducted, and strict measures have been put in place, to contain the bird disease and to protect the rest of our collection birds, our staff and visitors.
“We’re therefore pleased to be able to reopen to visitors as normal. Both APHA and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advise that the risk to public health from the virus is very low.
“If you booked to visit us while we were closed, your admission tickets are still valid on any alternative date. We’re looking forward to seeing you this week, and sharing the magic of autumn at the wetlands centre with you.”
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