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Over twenty swans have been found dead along the River Kennet in Newbury, Berkshire, with avian flu suspected as the cause. The Swan Support rescue organisation has reported that at least 23 swans have died in this area. Wendy Herman, the operations manager for the group, described the outbreak as intensifying rapidly in the region.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency confirmed that several of the deceased birds from Newbury had been collected to undergo testing according to their established protocols. Volunteers from Swan Support have also observed recent cases in other locations such as Reading and Portsmouth, both in Berkshire and Hampshire, respectively. Herman highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating the virus has spread widely throughout the south and is difficult to manage.
Efforts to control the outbreak involve volunteers equipped with personal protective gear who are tasked with collecting dead birds in order to reduce the chance of further infection transmission. The birds infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain exhibit symptoms including swollen heads, watery eyes, and breathing problems.
England remains within an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ), where strict biosecurity and hygiene measures are legally mandated to minimize disease spread. The Animal and Plant Health Agency has advised the public not to handle dead or visibly sick birds and to wash their hands thoroughly upon contact with wild bird droppings, feathers, or after feeding birds. While avian flu can infect humans and other mammals, the UK Health Security Agency states that the risk to the general public is very low
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