What you need to know about bird flu. Public health experts are closely watching avian influenza, which has affected chickens and cows and sickened some Americans.

Don’t be a hero if you spot birds or animals showing signs of avian flu (dead or distressed birds, multiple signs of sickness). Our instinct is to help, but trying to help a bird with avian flu likely spreads it more.

A beauty spot in a seaside town has a suspected outbreak of avian influenza, also known as bird flu. Blackpool Council said several swans had died at the town's Stanley Park over the last few days. The deaths have been reported to the Department for Environment,