Suspected cases of avian flu found in River Kennet swans

The deaths of more than 20 swans along a stretch of river is suspected to have been caused by avian flu.

The Swan Support rescue organisation said at least 23 birds had died on the River Kennet at Newbury in Berkshire.

The group’s operations manager Wendy Herman said cases of the disease were “going mad” in the region.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency said a number of the birds found in Newbury had been collected for testing in line with its criteria.

Herman said volunteers from the group had also seen recent cases in Reading, Berkshire and Portsmouth.

She said the situation was “not good”.

“It’s hit the south all over – it’s really picking up. It’s not nice to deal with,” she said.

She said volunteers in personal protective equipment were working to collect dead birds to lower the risks of infection spreading.

Birds affected 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.

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.”

Although avian flu can affect humans and other mammals, the UK Health Security Agency said the risk to the general public’s health was very low.