Bird flu warning as cases confirmed in park

People who visit a park in North Warwickshire have been urged to stay away from wild birds as cases of avian flu have been confirmed there.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the H5N1 virus had been identified at Kingsbury Water Park.

A warning not to touch dead or sick birds has been issued to anyone intending to go to the park or its surrounding areas, though Defra said the risk to human health was considered “very low”.

Dog walkers have been urged to keep pets on leads and stick to footpaths in the area, while park users have been asked not to feed wild birds.

Councillor Anne-Marie Sonko, portfolio holder for health at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Signs with advice for visitors to Kingsbury Park are currently in place across the site. We are also asking people not to feed the wild birds at this time.”

Dr Shade Agboola, the local authority’s director of public health, added: “The incidence of avian flu in the wild bird population is something that we are taking very seriously.

“The UKHSA has made it clear that the risk of the disease transferring from birds to humans is considered to be very low.”

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Bird flu warning as cases confirmed in park

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