Cases of swans with bird flu rising, charity says

The number of swans infected by suspected bird flu appears to be steadily rising across Berkshire, an expert has said.

The Swan Support rescue charity believes about 30 swans have died on the River Kennet in Newbury, along with about 12 on the River Thames in Windsor, two in Maidenhead and a further two found downstream.

But the group's operations manager Wendy Herman said she had now seen another 15 in Windsor that appeared sick with the untreatable virus.

Earlier this week the Animal and Plant Health Agency said a number of the birds found in Newbury had been collected for testing.

Herman said those tests had not been returned but that she was "100% certain" they were infected with bird flu because of their symptoms.

The group was first notified about suspected bird flu on 8 January.

"With the amount we have seen poorly here [in Windsor], it's not just the dead ones. I would say I've counted at least 15 that don't look very well," she added.

Birds infected with the most serious strain of bird flu, or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), show symptoms such as a swollen head, runny eyes and breathing difficulties.

England is in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ).

By law, strict biosecurity and hygiene rules must be followed to stop bird flu spreading.

Swan Support members can remove dead swans from the land to help prevent further spread because they have been trained to do so.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency said: "Members of the public are advised to not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that they find, and should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water if they touch wild bird faeces or feathers or after feeding wild birds."