Over 20 birds die of HN51 ‘Bird Flu’ in Trafford

According to Defra and other sources, over 20 birds, including swans and Canadian geese, have died from HN51 (Bird Flu) since the last week in October 2025.

Many of the mute swans died at Sale Water Park; some died from Bird Flu, and expert bird handlers killed birds with suspected Bird Flu. There is a big problem with Bird Flu in Trafford. Although the risk to humans is very low, people have been advised not to feed birds in the nearby Bridgewater Canal or at Sale Water Park for the time being.

This advice is for the safety of the birds, as the more food is given, the more birds will join in, which could mean the disease spreads. If you need to feed the birds, it is best to give it to songbirds like robins and blackbirds who need the extra food to get them through winter.

HN51 is spreading across the country, mostly due to migratory birds and other factors. Once a bird has the disease, many will die either suddenly or suffer a dreadful death and then found by people. If you see a bird in distress or dead, you must not go anywhere near it. If you are a dog walker, make sure your dog is on a lead, as it will probably inspect it.

Call Defra on 03459 335 577 if you spot a dead bird, and RSPCA if you see a sick or injured bird at 0800 1234 999. If you find a dead bird on public land, call your council.