Visitors at a country park in Northamptonshire are being warned to stick to the footpaths and keep dogs on leads, due to a suspected bird flu case.

Signage is in place at Daventry Country Park asking anyone using the park to stick to the footpaths and keep dogs on leads following a suspected case of bird flu, according to West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).

The council is also asking members of the public to take precautions across the area as cases of Avian flu have been “detected in the wild bird population in West Northamptonshire”.

A spokesman for WNC said: “The risk to the public is very low, but following these steps will help limit the spread among wild birds and protect captive birds.”

The council says there is a suspected case of bird flu at Daventry Country Park.

placeholder image — The council says there is a suspected case of bird flu at Daventry Country Park.

Precautions to take:

Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds
If you find any dead wild birds, please report it on the Government website or call Defra on 03459 33 55 77
Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings
Do not feed wild waterfowl
If you keep birds, wash your hands, clean and disinfect your footwear before tending them

Billing Aquadrome also confirmed cases in their wildlife on Friday October 31.

Bird keepers are also reminded of the mandatory housing order in place nationally

Under the order, bird keepers must house all poultry and captive birds if they keep more than 50, or if they sell or give eggs away. They must also follow strict biosecurity measures, including: clean and disinfect footwear and equipment, minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures and monitor birds for signs of disease.