AN OUTBREAK of bird flu has been confirmed at a lake in Portishead. 

Following tests on a dead Canada Goose found at Lake Grounds found last week, an outbreak of Avian Influenza has now been established. 

The park, near the seafront, recently saw an outbreak of toxic blue-green algae due to a drop in oxygen levels. But the council insists the breakout is unrelated to bird deaths. 

Fresh water was also pumped into the lake after hundreds of fish were seen to have been gasping for air above water.

Assessments conducted by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on the dead birds tested positive for bird flu. 

"Portishead Lake Grounds will remain open to the public and signs will be installed later today, September 26, to make people aware of the public health messaging," a spokesperson for North Somerset Council said.

Avian Influenza is an animal disease that does not normally affect humans, but in some cases can lead to death. 

The country is currently in the grip of its worst-ever bird flu outbreak, with more than 130 cases confirmed in England so far. 

Earlier this month, a bird flu prevention zone was declared in some areas of Somerset.

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Outbreaks are deadly to domesticated birds and poultry which is why infections are tightly controlled and failure to notify the authorities on cases is a criminal offence. 

It is also now a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Devon, Cornwall and parts of Somerset to follow strict measures on its prevention, with many birds not having left captivity for months. 

The spokesperson added: "North Somerset Council has been working with DEFRA after a number of dead birds were found at the site last week.

"We have received confirmation from the APHA that a Canada Goose that died at Portishead Lake Grounds has been found positive for Avian Influenza.

"We continue to work with Defra, and the RSPCA to monitor the situation."

DEFRA advises all bird keepers - whether pet birds, commercial flocks or a backyard flock - must keep 'a close watch' for signs of disease and maintain good biosecurity at all times. 

It is a legal requirement to register poultry, even if they are kept as pets, if there are more than 50. Poultry includes birds such as chickens, ducks, turkeys, guinea fowl and pheasants.