Government officials have confirmed Avian flu has been found at Alexandra Park in Oldham after a number of birds were found dead in the boating lake.
To stop the spread of the disease, Oldham Council say the boating lake will be closed to all activities, including fishing, until further notice and the local authority will continue to monitor the situation.
Park staff have placed signs around the lake asking people to not feed any birds, keep dogs on leads near the water and stay on the paths.
Visitors are also asked not to touch or try to rescue sick or injured birds and to report any they see to park staff.
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.
“Anyone who keeps birds must, by law, keep them housed and follow strict bio-security measures.”
The council is asking anyone who spots a dead bird in the park to report it to the park staff.
There is full government advice on avian flu at www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england
‘My daughter was strip searched by police after a harrowing ordeal’
GREATER MANCHESTER: All the key developments planned for Greater Manchester this week
The two new Greater Manchester train stations that could be built before 2030
Keep your dog safe from the dangers of antifreeze this winter, warns Dogs Trust
