A Teesside nature reserve has received reports of more than 300 suspected cases of bird flu.
Black-headed gulls and common terns were impacted, according to site manager for RSPB Saltholme Claire Freeburn.
No touching of any obviously sick or dead birds is permitted at the site, which is close to Billingham.
Given that avian influenza is still affecting both wild and domestic birds, the charity has urged the government to act "with true urgency.".
"RSPB Saltholme has recently reported suspected cases, which are affecting black-headed gulls and common terns," Ms. Freeburn stated. .
Testing is about to start. There have been reports of the deaths of about 300 black-headed gulls so far. ".
One of the largest inland breeding colonies of common terns in the UK can be found in the reserve. These terns migrate to the area each spring and build their nests safely away from predators on the islands and open pools.
Seeing the scenes in Teesside as "not only distressing" but also concerning as "the UK's worst outbreak takes hold yet again across the country," Ms. Freeburn has urged the government to address "this crisis with the true urgency needed.".
The avian influenza viruses seen in birds around the world, according to the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), "do not spread easily to people," and the risk to the general population is still very low.
The statement continues by saying that it is "closely monitoring the situation for any evidence of changing risk to the public."
