A confirmed outbreak of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has led to urgent safety warnings for visitors to a popular Midlands beauty spot. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) have identified the highly pathogenic Avian influenza A(H5N1) strain in several wild birds at Kingsbury Water Park in Warwickshire.
Urgent Public Health Advice Issued
In response to the confirmed cases, both the park management and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued clear guidance to all visitors. The primary instruction is not to touch any sick or dead wild birds or their droppings. This is a critical measure to prevent any potential, though low, risk to human health and to curb the spread among avian populations.
Authorities are also strongly advising the public not to feed the wild birds. Feeding encourages birds to congregate, which significantly increases the rate of transmission of the virus between them. Visitors are asked to stick to footpaths, keep dogs on leads, and to thoroughly clean their footwear and wash their hands with soap and water after their visit.
Low Human Risk But High Vigilance
Public health officials have been quick to reassure the public that the risk to human health from this strain is considered very low. The A(H5N1) virus is highly infectious to birds but does not easily spread to people. Despite this low risk, a cautious approach is being taken.
Local authorities are working closely with APHA to monitor and manage the situation. Anyone who has had direct contact with sick or dead birds or their faeces is asked to notify the UKHSA West Midlands Health Protection Team immediately. Experts will then assess if antiviral medication or active health monitoring is required as a precaution.
Park Stays Open With Precautions
Despite the ongoing outbreak, Kingsbury Water Park remains open to visitors. The 600-acre country park near Sutton Coldfield and Tamworth is operating as normal, allowing people to continue enjoying its trails and scenery. The management has emphasised that by following the posted guidance, the public can visit the area safely.
The measures are primarily aimed at protecting wild bird populations and preventing the virus from spreading to domestic poultry and farm birds in the surrounding areas. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of biosecurity and responsible behaviour in shared natural spaces.
