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Warning issued to the public after dead birds found in Alexandra Park in Oldham

'This is very sad news as the birds in Alexandra Park are very popular with visitors'

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 7th February 2023

Advice has been issued to the public after ‘a number of birds’ were found dead in a boating lake in Alexandra Park.

Government officials have now confirmed that Avian flu has been found at the popular park in Oldham, which is frequently visited by families and dog-walkers.

Steps are now being taken to stop the spread of the disease, with warnings issued to the public.

Anyone visiting Alexandra Park should keep their dogs on leads near the water, stay on the paths, and not feed any birds.

Visitors also shouldn’t attempt to rescue sick or injured birds, but should instead report any they see to park staff.

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Signs have been placed around the lake reiterating this guidance.

Alexandra Park in Oldham
Alexandra Park in Oldham. Credit: Geograph, Peter Hyde

Following the deaths of the birds, the boating lake has now been closed to all activities, including fishing.

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Councillor Hannah Roberts, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “This is very sad news as the birds in Alexandra Park are very popular with visitors.

“The UK is currently facing its largest ever outbreak of avian flu with cases reported across the country. Avian flu has nothing to do with water quality or the environment and poses a low risk to humans.

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“Anyone who keeps birds must, by law, keep them housed and follow strict bio-security measures.”

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If anyone spots a dead bird in the park we are asking them to report it to the park staff.

There is full government advice on avian flu at gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england

Featured image: Flickr