Official cases of bird flu have been confirmed at Ryton Pools Country Park
Claire Harrison
15:28, 15 Jan 2026
The cases have been confirmed at Ryton Pools Country Park(Image: @cmangles)
Bird flu cases have been confirmed at a beauty spot near Coventry prompting a warning to visitors and dog walkers. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have confirmed that avian influenza A(H5N1) is currently present in the wild bird population at Ryton Pools Country Park.
It is the third nature spot in the Warwickshire to have confirmed cases alongside Kingsbury Water Park and along the River Avon in Stratford-on-Avon. While the parks remain open, health bosses are urging all visitors and dog walkers to take precuations.
Sarah Smith, Consultant in Health Protection leading on avian influenza for UKHSA West Midlands, said: “The risk to the public from this strain of avian flu is very low, however it is important that people do not touch any sick or dead birds. As a precaution, anyone known to have come into close contact with the droppings or birds where the infection has been confirmed will be monitored and offered a course of antiviral medication if needed.."
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The key advice being issued is:
- Keep dogs on a lead and stick to marked footpaths.
- Avoid dead or visibly sick birds, feathers, droppings, or muddy areas where infected birds may have been.
- Do not touch sick or dead birds.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Hand sanitiser (minimum 60% alcohol) can be used as an alternative but is less effective than soap and water.
- Avoid handling feathers or surfaces that may be contaminated by droppings.
- If you keep poultry or other birds at home, wash your hands and clean/disinfect footwear after visiting them.
Dr Shade Agboola, director of Public Health, Warwickshire County Council, added: “We’re keeping a close eye on avian flu in wild birds. Residents can help by avoiding sick or dead birds and reporting any they find to DEFRA. These simple steps, along with ongoing monitoring and preparedness measures, mean we’re well placed to keep everyone safe.”
Anyone who has seen dead birds are being urged to call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
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