SEVERAL birds have died of suspected avian flu at two country parks in North Lanarkshire.

The local authority revealed that wild birds in Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell, and Drumpellier Country Park, Coatbridge, have passed away. 

The exact type was not disclosed.

A statement read: "We are aware of a small number of dead birds in the wild bird population at Strathclyde and Drumpellier Country Parks, which are being treated as possible cases of avian flu.

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"The Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has been informed."

Countryside rangers are regularly monitoring the parks and other locations where there are populations of wild birds for any signs of the disease.

Council bosses asked members of the public to follow the Scottish Government's guidance when visiting parks, to reduce the risk of the disease spreading.

This includes keeping to the footpaths with dogs on a lead, not feeding birds, and not picking up or touching dead or ill birds.

People are also being asked not to touch bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings and to report dead swans, geese, or ducks or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, to the DEFRA helpline on 03459 335577.

We previously reported that more than 26 swans were found dead at Hogganfield Park in Glasgow due to bird flu last month.