THE UK Health Security Agency is urging people in Coventry not to touch any sick, injured or dead wild birds across the city after Avian influenza A cases were confirmed in the city’s populations.
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed the cases following reports of die-offs in birds including swans and Canada geese.
Reported case locations have included Swanswell Park in Hillfields and Quinton Pool in Cheylesmore.
This particular strain is the most common form of bird flu in the country.
Sarah Smith, UKHSA West Midlands Consultant in Health Protection specialising in avian influenza, said: “As a precaution, anyone who has been in direct contact with a sick or dying bird in an area where the infection has been confirmed will require close monitoring and follow-up with UKHSA.”
Coventry City Council has been working with UKHSA, Defra and APHA to manage the situation to reduce risk to people and other animals.
Signs will be placed in parks across Coventry as a precaution and people are being urged to keep dogs on a lead.
