'Help prevent the spread': Warning as bird flu case confirmed at Roundhay Park in Leeds
Members of the public should report any dead birds they may find
- There has been a confirmed case of bird flu in Roundhay Park in Leeds.
- There have been a total of 56 cases across the UK this year.
- Bird flu can affect humans, but this is rare.
A case of bird flu has been confirmed in a wild bird in Roundhay Park.
The latest in a series of outbreaks of bird flu comes following the introduction of “relevant health and safety measures", after dead birds found at Doncaster Lakeside tested positive for avian influenza.
There have been 56 confirmed cases of bird flu this year, with 44 recorded in England. The risk to the public is “very low”, with humans only contracting bird flu in rare cases.
Leeds City Council will be monitoring the situation closely. Members of the public visiting the park have been warned to avoid touching or feeding wild birds, keep dogs away from birds and report dead or sick birds using the online reporting system.
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “A case of avian influenza (bird flu) has been confirmed in a wild bird at Roundhay Park. The avian influenza virus is currently present in wild birds in the UK and across Europe, cases typically are more likely in autumn and winter.
“Leeds City Council colleagues are working closely with DEFRA and other partners to monitor the situation. Posters advising visitors on how to help prevent the spread of avian influenza have been placed around the lakes and main entry points to the park.
“At present, there have been no further reports of sick birds, and the other birds appear healthy. Visitors can continue to enjoy the park, but we ask everyone to follow the guidance on the posters, which includes:
- Do not touch or feed wild birds.
- Keep dogs away from wild birds.
- Report any dead or sick birds to DEFRA (details on the posters). Report dead wild birds - GOV.UK
“Avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds, and the risk to the general public remains very low. For more information, please visit DEFRA’s guidance page.”
What is bird flu?
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a type of flu-like illness that affects poultry, wild birds and in rare cases humans. Those most likely to get infected are people who are in close contact with birds, such as poultry workers.
What are the symptoms of bird flu?
Bird flu symptoms tend to appear three to five days after you’ve been exposed and infected by the virus.
The symptoms of bird flu include:
- a very high temperature or feeling hot or shivery
- aching muscles
- headache
- a cough or shortness of breath
- diarrhoea
- sickness
- stomach pain
- chest pain
- bleeding from the nose and gums
- conjunctivitis
If you suspect you may have bird flu, call NHS 111 and contact your GP or a healthcare professional so you can access treatment as soon as possible. Medications such as antiviral medicine may prevent complications and reduce the risk of serious illness.
Bird flu is rare in humans, you can find out more information about the signs and symptoms at NHS.UK.