Dog walkers urged to be cautious after dead swans are discovered in Aylesbury lake as councillors refuse to rule out bird flu
Parents and dog walkers are urged to be cautious and have been advised to be careful around a lake in Aylesbury, after swans were found dead at the site.
Residents spotted dead swans at the Watermead lake and currently the cause of the deaths is unknown.
In local Facebook groups parish councillors have said the cause of the swans’ illnesses is unconfirmed but did not rule out bird flu as a potential cause.
Watermead Parish Councillor Cameron Anderson said in a statement, which was co-signed by two other parish councillors: “Many would have seen or heard the rumours regarding Swans and geese [being] unwell or found dead around the lake, the cause of which is unknown. However there have been cases of bird flu in and around Bucks.
“Until further notice I would advise people to be very careful when walking dogs around the lake as contact with animal remains could do harm. More importantly if people have young children please ensure they are kept away from being exposed to animal/ bird remains or contact with the animals themselves to avoid harm.”
Councillor Anderson added that parish councillors are corresponding with Bucks Council and the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) over how best to address the issue.
One resident spotted three dead swans at the picturesque site and warned there could be more remains surrounding the lake on Sunday.
Across the UK, there have been 90 confirmed cases of bird flu between the start of last year and 2026. The most recently recorded case was logged in Suffolk two days ago.
Buckinghamshire is not close to any ‘bird flu disease’ zones, DEFRA’s interactive map shows. According to the department’s latest findings the nearest zones were recent bird flu cases have been recorded in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, and Cambridgeshire.
Bucks Council has highlighted that no cases have been reported in the county at this time but passed on advice and guidance.
Councillor Mark Winn said: “Currently no notification has been given of any specific outbreaks of bird flu in Buckinghamshire but the situation is changing all the time and indicators from DEFRA are that wild birds are at very high risk at the moment.
“We would advise the public to remain vigilant and take a common-sense approach. Please keep dogs on short leads in areas where wild birds are present. Prevent them from approaching or picking up dead or sick birds or sniffing or eating droppings. This protects your dog from illness and reduces the risk of the spreading of any potential virus.
“If you see a dead or sick bird in a council park or open space, please report it using DEFRA’s online reporting service or call the helpline at 03459 33 55 77.”
The council advises that the latest information on bird flu cases can be found online on the Government’s website.
In areas where cases have been recently reported residents have been urged not to touch any dead animals. They are also told to avoid touching feathers or any potentially contaminated droppings.
Residents are also told to remain on footpaths, and if contact has been unavoidable, to clean clothing and take other hygienic precautions like thoroughly washing hands.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include details provided by Bucks Council.