Visitors to Sale Water Park and its surroundings were told to be vigilant after a number of dead birds were retrieved from the area.

The council said samples were sent to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) with avian flu suspected.

While it awaits the results from DEFRA, Sale Water Park and its surroundings are seeing a number of measures imposed.

They include teams from the council and RSPCA to advise visitors and assist in the removal of dead birds, as well as signage to tell pedestrians to stick to paths and pet owners to put animals on a lead at all times.

Richard Roe, the council's Director of Place, said: "This is obviously upsetting for everyone, including our own teams dealing with this, but avian flu is unfortunately now affecting wild birds right across the UK.

"People visiting Sale Water Park will see teams from the council and RSPCA on-site, but they should not be alarmed. We are not restricting access to the park, simply asking people to exercise common sense.

"Don’t go near any wild birds, especially if dead or distressed. There is a number to call on the information signs to report any visitors do see.

"We will be liaising with groups across the borough which use similar outdoor sites, alerting them to the issue and asking them to take similar steps. As soon as we have confirmation and know exactly what we are dealing with, we will update accordingly."

Restrictions introduced across the UK last month mean all birdkeepers must keep their birds indoors at all times.

Eleanor Roaf, Trafford's Director of Public Health, reminded them of their responsibilities under the restrictions.

She said: "Unfortunately, we are seeing many cases of avian flu in wild birds across the UK at the moment. Although the risk to humans is low, we are very keen to stop this from spreading either to people, or to domestic or farmed birds."

“If you keep poultry at home, please do make sure they are kept indoors, and that no dirt is brought into the henhouse. We would advise against feeding wild birds, as this encourages them to congregate together, and helps spread disease."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. Jack is the reporter for The Messenger and covers anything and everything from within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford.

To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.