Bird flu found in swans and geese at beauty spot

Avian flu has been confirmed after a number of ill swans and geese were found at a Worcestershire country park and beauty spot.

The birds were discovered unwell or dead at Arrow Valley Lake in Redditch, the borough council has said, with the virus so far detected in one.

It warned residents to stay vigilant and stick to paths, keep dogs on leads and avoid touching any sick or dead wild birds, adding it was monitoring the situation.

The 900-acre site is a popular spot for recreation, with fishing, water activities and waymarked trails as well as a visitor centre.

The lake lies a few miles outside of a 10km (6.2 miles) protection zone set up following the detection of the virus in commercial poultry near Alvechurch last month.

A 3km (1.86 mile) protection zone is also in place around the farm, where the affected poultry flock has been culled.

Redditch Borough Council advised members of the public to contact it to report dead or unwell birds, adding the council would pass the information to Defra.

A spokesperson said: "A number of sick and ill birds have been identified by our officers at our sites and reported to DEFRA.

"We received a result from one of the birds that Avian flu had been detected and the Animal, Plant and Health Agency notified."

Birds affected with the most serious strain of bird flu, or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), show symptoms such as a swollen head, runny eyes and breathing difficulties.

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