Bird flu cases 'confirmed' at holiday park

An unspecified number of avian flu cases have been reported at a Northamptonshire leisure park.

Billing Aquadrome, near Northampton, said it was "very sad" to share news of "cases" of the H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu at the holiday park.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has not officially confirmed the cases in its latest figures, but the news comes soon after a number of avian flu cases in nearby Wellingborough last week.

Bird flu is caused by a virus that infects birds and sometimes other animals, including foxes, seals and otters.

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Defra said the risk to the public was very low, but people should not touch or move any dead or sick wild birds.

In a post on Facebook, Billing Aquadrome said: "This virus is affecting local birds, and we're asking everyone in our community to please help protect our wildlife.

"Please remember to clean and disinfect your footwear after visiting lakes or rivers, and always keep dogs on a lead near the water. This helps stop the spread of infection between sites.

"If you feed the birds, please do so responsibly: scatter food widely to prevent crowding, and stop feeding immediately if any birds appear unwell.

"We know how loved our feathered friends are at Billing Aquadrome — thank you for caring, staying vigilant, and helping us keep them safe."

It said it was working with Defra and West Northamptonshire Council and that there were presently no plans to enforce a cull.