Warning over new bird flu outbreak
The A(H5N1) strain is highly pathogenic to other birds, but the risk to human health is considered very low. Council
A BIRD flu outbreak has been confirmed at the popular visitor attraction Kingsbury Water Park.
As a result of this, a warning has been issued to the public who either visit or live near to the North Warwickshire beauty spot.
Warwickshire County Council has revealed that the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has conformed avian influenza A(H5N1) in wild bird populations at the park.
As a result, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is now urging people visiting the park and surrounding area not to touch any sick or dead wild birds.
“If you find a sick or dead bird, contact the park rangers on 07785 522684,” the county council said. “Do not touch or move dead birds and keep dogs away from them.”
Shire Hall added that, together with the UKHSA and North Warwickshire Borough Council, it is working to manage the situation and protect public health and the risk to other birds.
The risk to human health is ‘very low’ the local authority stressed.
“The A(H5N1) strain is highly pathogenic to other birds, but the risk to human health is considered very low,” the county council said. “However, it is vital that people do not touch sick live birds or bird carcasses, and infection control measures may be necessary if they do.”
Outside of Kingsbury Water Park, anyone who sees sick or dead birds by waterways or on private land, should not touch them and call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.