Boaters warned after Avian Flu outbreak

Published: Monday, 27 June 2022

BOATERS on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal have been urged not to touch sick or dead birds. as Avian Flu has been confirmed.

Warwickshire was at the centre of the recent outbreak of Avian Flu which killed many swans on the River Avon. Now a new outbreak has been identified in North Warwickshire close to the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal, Roger Fox reports.

Bham Fazeley CurdworthConfirmed

This has resulted in boaters in the Fazeley, Curdworth and Tamworth area being warned not to touch sick or dead wild birds, as avian flu has been confirmed at Kingsbury Water Park and the surrounding area.

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.

The A(H5N1) strain of bird flu found at Kingsbury Water Park is highly pathogenic to other birds, but the risk to human health is considered very low.

Infection control measures

With a spokesman telling it is vital that people do not touch sick live birds or bird carcases—with infection control measures maybe being necessary if they do.

As a precaution, anyone who may have come into contact with the droppings or birds in an area where the infection has been confirmed will be monitored and offered a course of antiviral medication if needed.