Vale Council may have to close Knap Lake
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Earlier this week (15th February), the Glamorgan Star reported on an outbreak of H5N1 Avian Influenza after carcasses of birds were confirmed to have died from the virus at Knap Lake, Barry.
This evening the Vale of Glamorgan Council has taken to social media to ask that live or dead swans are not handled following reports being received of people doing so.
The statement read: “We’ve received reports of handling live and dead swans at the Knap.
“Risk to human health from Avian flu increases with direct contact.
“Please do not handle the birds.
“If this continues, we may need to close the lake.”
Any sightings of dead or sick wild birds should be reported by calling the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) 0300 303 8268 or email
The council is working to minimise the risk of further transmission at the Knap and other parks and country parks. Avian influenza spreads from bird to bird by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces. It can also be spread by contaminated feed and water, or by dirty vehicles, clothing and footwear.
Avian Influenza mainly affects birds. It is very uncommon for the virus to be passed from birds to humans, or other mammals. The risk to public health is very low.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) carries out year-round avian influenza surveillance of dead wild birds. This is submitted via public reports and warden patrols.
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