Park visitors asked to stick to paths over bird flu

The council hoped the precautions would help to stop the spread of the virus to wild and captive birds

Visitors to a popular country park are being asked to stick to the footpaths and keep dogs on leads after a suspected avian flu outbreak.

West Northamptonshire Council has put up signs issuing the advice to people visiting Daventry Country Park, on the edge of the town.

The H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu, has previously been reported at Billing Aquadrome, near Northampton, and Wellingborough.

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

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer ordered a mandatory housing order to cover the whole of England on Thursday, following the escalating number of outbreaks.

The new measures mean bird keepers must house all poultry and captive birds if they keep more than 50 or if they sell or give eggs away.