Whale washed up on Welsh beach could pose health risk

People are being warned to stay away from a dead whale that was washed on to a Welsh beach and could be a health hazard.

The carcass of the 8.2m whale was washed ashore at Dyfi Ynyslas National Nature Reserve, Ceredigion, in west Wales on Christmas Day.

Experts are uncertain of its species because it is so badly decomposed but believe it may be a minke whale.

A spokeswoman for the Coastguard said: "The whale is very decomposed and may pose a health hazard to anyone that touches it. A biohazard marker has been put up to warn members of the public about getting too close.

"Weather conditions have hampered efforts to remove the whale over the weekend and discussions are continuing between the Maritime Coastguard Agency and Natural Resources Wales to arrange its safe removal as quickly as possible."

A decision on how the carcass is disposed of will be taken by National Resources Wales and the Receiver of Wreck, who has responsibility for so-called royal fish such as whales, sturgeons and dolphins.