Bird flu detected in Battersea Park

Bird flu has been detected in Battersea Park, prompting the park's management team to issue new guidance for members of the public to follow while in the area.

A bird flu outbreak in 2021 escalated at the end of last year, with an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) declared across Britain to mitigate the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds.

Evidence of bird flu in Battersea Park has now led Enable Parks, the agency who works in partnership with Wandsworth Council to manage its green spaces, to notify visitors of the outbreak.

Notices placed around Duck Pond write "please don't risk spreading it".

Specifically, visitors to Battersea Park are asked (in particular when near Duck Pond, close to waterfowl) to:

• Keep to the footpath
• Keep dogs on leads
• Don't go near wild waterfowl
• Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds
• Do not touch bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with bird droppings

If you see any dead or sick wild birds, please report your sighting to [email protected] or call Enable Parks on 020 3959 0060.

Enable Parks has been approached for clarification and comment.