Park birds moved indoors over disease threat

IF you are planning to go on a cosy winter walk in Cheltenham’s largest ornamental park anytime soon, you may need to know that things are looking a little different.

Many people visit Pittville Park for the beautiful lakes and stunning scenery, but one of its most popular sights has been under strict public health regulations since Monday.

The captive birds and animals that are lucky enough to call the park their home are being kept inside to control the spread of bird flu.

The Government has made it a legal requirement for people who keep birds to house them indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures.

Chickens and small birds that live in the aviary at the park will be housed indoors, as will rabbits.

Swans and other wild birds are unaffected by the restrictions, but members of the Pittville Swans and Friends group, who often visit the park lakes, have been asked to report any concerns to Defra.

Members of the public are also being asked to report any dead wild waterfowl or other dead birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

Beth Boughton, managing director of Ubico, said: “Following an increase in avian influenza cases, we will be following the relevant Government guidelines to stop the spread, and from 14 December we will be housing our birds inside.

“All of our animals – including chickens, rabbits and smaller birds – are sheltered in new and robust cages, with room to roost. The safety and welfare of the animals is of paramount importance to us and the site is visited daily to ensure it is clean and that the birds have enough food and water.”

There has been one confirmed bird flu case in Gloucestershire, at WWT Slimbridge, where three geese were found dead last month.

Although the risk is very high for wild birds and medium for poultry with high biosecurity, bird flu poses a low risk to public health.