RSPB calls for suspension of game-bird releases over avian flu fears

Charity says stocking countryside for shooting season would be catastrophic with disease still a major threat to wild birds

The RSPB is calling for a moratorium on the release of game birds this summer to keep avian flu levels down.

The charity says it will be catastrophic for tens of millions of game birds such as pheasants and partridges to be released in late June and July for shooting in the summer and autumn with avian flu still a huge threat to wild birds.