There have been reports of dead or dying swans on Marine for several days now. Qlocal emailed Defra last week for an update but no reply has been received as yet.

However, today on social media, and believed to be a trustworthy source the following was posted:

I made a call to DEFRA this morning chasing collection of dead swans, Shortly after I received a phone call from a Manager informing me that the reason they are no longer collecting is because there has sadly been a confirmed case of Avian Flu on Marine lake (a Swan)

We must hold out hope that our local wildlife become immune to the virus and fight it off. Sadly, this explains why there has been more younger ones found poorly. Many people keep a check on the swans on the lake, on a positive note the majority of them appear to look healthy.

They need good food nutrition to help fight any virus. Please don’t stop feeding them, they will only fly off elsewhere looking for food potentially spreading any virus. A poorly swan would usually isolate itself from others and would not be interested in coming for food.

Only last week we reported about the UK wide lockdown to protect poultry and captive birds against avian flu

If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 335577).

Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.