Pets Corner forced to shut to limit bird flu spread after virus detected in two of the city’s parks – Leicestershire Live

One of Leicester's beloved family attractions has been forced to shut temporarily, after bird flu was detected in the area. Leicester City Council announced the closure of Pets' Corner, in Abbey Park.

The animal park was closed to the public on Monday to limit the spread of the virus after it was detected in deceased wild fowl in Abbey Park and Watermead Park. The council said the decision was made to reduce to the number of people accessing the area.

Any clothing, footwear and equipment used while in the area is urged to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to avoid any possible contamination. Posters have been put up in parks and open spaces across the city, informing locals of the outbreak.

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Anyone who has spotted dead birds in the city's parks and waterways have been asked to contact the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Members of the public are being reminded not to touch any sick or deceased birds, swans, ducks, geese, gulls or birds of prey - as well as wild bird feathers.

Councillor Piara Singh Clair, deputy city mayor said: With avian flu now present in Leicester, were asking members of the public to be extra vigilant. People can help by reporting any sightings of dead birds, and by making sure that they comply with DEFRAs regulations, if they keep birds at home.

"Closing Pets Corner is a temporary measure, and we look forward to reopening our popular family attraction as soon as its safe to do so."

The attraction was last shut in November following fears of an outbreak. An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was enforced, meaning bird keepers had to adhere to strict restrictions from DEFRA to ensure birds were housed in an enclosed environment as well as keeping to biosecurity protocols to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

An AIPZ is currently in force across the country. Leicesters director of public health, Professor Ivan Browne added: Avian flu is primarily a disease affecting birds and the risk to the general publics health is very low.

"You do not need to stop enjoying Leicesters beautiful parks and green spaces, but if you see a dead or sick bird, please do not touch it or go near it but call the DEFRA helpline to report it as soon as possible.

"There is a very low food safety risk from avian flu and properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat."

Further information and advice from DEFRA is available at http://www.gov.uk/bird-flu. If you spot a dead or sick bird call the DEFRA helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

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Pets Corner forced to shut to limit bird flu spread after virus detected in two of the city's parks - Leicestershire Live