Dead and dying ducks from Long Sutton Common Pit tested

Dead and dying ducks were found in an area of a village, which had to be cordoned off by officials.

Councilors at the recent Long Sutton Parish Council meeting reported that a number of birds had been found at Common Pit.

DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) was called at the time of the incident – and arrived at the scene to help a couple of days later.

Some ducks were killed and samples were taken to find the cause.

An animal and plant health agency spokesman said: “We are aware of a number of wild bird deaths in the Long Sutton area in Lincolnshire.

“A Mallard duck found dead in the area was collected but tested negative for the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

“Members of the public are advised to not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that they find.”

Members of the public had been warned not to take their dogs to the area when the ducks were found on Sunday, September 24. The investigators came out on Wednesday, September 27.