Avian flu in Wolverhampton and Birmingham after dead birds found in park

The infection has affected the city's wild bird population

Cases of avian flu have been confirmed in Wolverhampton and Birmingham after dead birds were found in two parks.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said infected Canada geese and wildfowl were found in West Park, Wolverhampton and Trittiford Mill Park in the Yardley Wood area.

People have been urged not to touch any sick or dead wild birds they come across and to keep pets on a lead.

The infectious A (H5N1) strain is currently the most common in the UK.

Across the Midlands, cases of avian flu have also been confirmed in Dudley, Coventry, Malvern Hills in Worcestershire and Kidsgrove and Cheddleton, in Staffordshire.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, City of Wolverhampton Council's cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: "I would like to reassure residents that the risk of them catching avian flu is very low.

"This is an infectious virus which spreads among birds and it is very unusual for humans to be affected."

Councillor Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment at Birmingham City Council, said: "We know how serious this issue is from the outbreak that was experienced in Birmingham and many other areas earlier this year.

"As was the case back then, we are making sure advice and information is available to our staff operating in parks and for the public via our website and at our network of parks and open spaces, which are places that attract many people at all times of the year."