Residents were upset to see dozens of dead birds by two Swindon lakes this weekend.
Over the past week, dead and very sick swans have been spotted by locals at Shaftesbury Lakes and Coate Water.
This has caused worry, both for residents and visitors, and especially pet owners.
Warning: Images may be distressing to some readers
On Monday morning (October 3), Swindon Borough Council workers came to Shaftesbury lakes to remove the dead birds.
READ MORE: Possible bird flu outbreak at Shaftesbury Lake
According to witnesses at the scene, they removed approximately ten or more dead swans and a number of dead geese as well as pigeons and gulls.
"The sight of these dead birds has been very upsetting for many local residents and I can only imagine what an awful job it is for the council workers who have had to clear it up," Mark Collins said.
"We are very grateful to them for their work."
According to Jason Thomas, who walked past the dead birds on Friday, the signs that were pinned up alerting people of a possible outbreak of bird flu have been pulled off and thrown into the water.
A spokesperson from Swindon Borough Council said: “The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is currently testing for Avian (Bird) Flu after a small number of dead birds were found at some of our local parks.
“Avian flu mainly affects birds and the risk to humans and other mammals is very low but residents should avoid touching dead or visibly sick birds.
“If you find a dead bird in a public area you can report it to www.swindon.gov.uk/report-a-dead-animal.
“Please report dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese, or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey to DEFRA’s GB helpline: 03459 335577.
“We will update residents when we have more to share.”
According to DEFRA, the UK has faced its largest ever outbreak of bird flu with over 150 cases confirmed across the country since late October 2021.
Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, said: "We are seeing a growing number of bird flu cases on commercial farms and in backyard birds across the country driven by high levels of disease within wild birds.
"Unfortunately we expect the number of cases to continue to rise over the coming months as migratory birds return to the UK, bringing with them further risk of disease that can spread into our kept flocks."
Swindon currently does not have any Regional Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZ), but DEFRA is currently testing for the disease in the affected area.
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