Bird flu warning for Roath Park
A WARNING has been issued after a case of bird flu was confirmed at one of Wales’ most popular parks, with seven birds suspected to have died from the virus.
People have been urged to avoid touching or feeding birds at any park across Cardiff, following the discovery at the city’s Roath Park Lake.
A goose is now confirmed to have died of avian flu, while a further six birds were also found dead at the park this week.
It comes just weeks after a swan found dead at the Knap Lake in Barry also tested positive for avian flu, with more than a dozen other carcasses found at the lake since.
Bird flu is common during the winter months, when it can be passed on by migrating birds arriving in the UK, spreading by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces. It can also be spread by contaminated feed and water, or dirty vehicles, clothing and footwear.
The virus mainly affects birds and it is very uncommon for it to be passed from birds to humans or other mammals, but experts at
Cardiff council have asked members of the public not to hand-feed birds at any of its parks as a “precautionary measure”.
A council statement read: “The body of a greylag goose was handed in to park wardens on February 24 and tests this week confirmed the H5N1 virus. A further six bird carcasses from the park were handed in this week and staff believe the same strain of flu is to blame.
“The risk to public health is very low but as a precautionary measure the council is asking all members of the public not to hand-feed birds at any of its parks or country parks.”
“If you find a dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) on 03459 33 55 77. Any visibly sick birds should also be reported via this number and must not be touched or handled.”