AVIAN INFLUENZA has been confirmed by Defra at Kingsbury Water Park.
Next to canal
This is the large water park and bird reserve right next to the canal between Fazeley and Curdworth on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal, Keith Gudgin reports, he adding:
"It will probably be found that birds roost in the park but fly to other areas to feed? Perhaps due to this possibility all birds should be avoided in the area?"
The public are urged not to touch sick or dead birds as The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency have confirmed that avian influenza is currently present in the wild bird populations at Kingsbury Water Park by the canal.
The UK Health Security Agency is now urging people visiting the park and surrounding area including the towpath not to touch any sick or dead wild birds.
Do not touch
It telling—the A(H5N1) strain is highly infectious to other birds, but the risk to human health is considered very low. However, it is vital that people do not touch sick birds or dead bird carcasses to avoid the need to introduce further infection control measures.
For those visiting Kingsbury Water Park and the surrounding areas, please:
Stay on the footpaths/towpath and keep dogs on leads.
Please do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds.
Do not handle feathers or any surfaces that may be contaminated by droppings.
After visiting the park, thoroughly wash hands in soap and water. Hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol can be used as an alternative but is less effective.