Ms Edis added: “If you’re walking a dog, keep it on a lead, because the birds will be weaker if they are suffering from the virus, so they’re more likely to be attacked.
“Bird flu is transferred by bodily fluids, so poo and saliva, so don’t contaminate yourself,” she added.
“Make sure you’re washing your hands.
“If you do visit water in different areas, make sure you clean your shoes between different sites because obviously if we’ve got avian flu in Verulamium Park you don’t want to track that to another site somewhere else.”
Defra said the public should report findings of dead wild birds online or by calling 03459 33 55 77.
“Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find unless strictly necessary,” it added.