Suspected bird flu cases recorded in neighbouring Berkshire after swan deaths in Aylesbury

Thames Valley-based charity Swan Support said it now believes avian influenza has “arrived” in the region after attending multiple incidents involving dead and sick birds.

In a statement, the charity said it had attended several dead swans in Windsor and had seen a number of birds showing symptoms, describing the situation as “devastating”.

It added that 24 dead swans had been collected in Newbury, while further reports of sick birds have been received at Dinton Pastures and in Maidenhead.

Swan Support said it is awaiting formal confirmation, adding that DEFRA is currently “overwhelmed” with cases.

The charity urged members of the public to remain vigilant for symptoms including lethargy and weakness, loss of coordination or unusual head and neck movements, bleeding from the eyes and birds spinning in circles.

It also issued guidance on how residents can help reduce the risk of spread, advising people to continue feeding swans but to scatter food to avoid birds congregating, wash footwear after visiting waterways, and keep dogs under close control or on a lead.

Anyone who finds a sick or dead swan is urged to contact the charity immediately on 07968 868172.

Swan Support said: “This is a heartbreaking time for all of us, but together we can reduce the impact.”

This follows reports in Aylesbury that three swans were found dead by Watermead lake. While no cases of bird flu have been confirmed in Buckinghamshire at this time, local parish councillors did not rule out the possibility that bird flu was the cause of the deaths.

An Animal and Plant Health Agency spokesperson said: “We are aware of reported wild bird deaths in the Newbury area, and a number have been collected for testing in line with our criteria.

“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.”

Marlow has a long-standing connection with swans through the annual Swan Upping census on the River Thames. Last summer the Royal Swan Marker and Swan Uppers visited the town as part of the historic count, joined by the Mayor and local schoolchildren.

The Royal Swan Marker and the Swan Uppers travel the River Thames in traditional skiffs, dressed in ceremonial uniforms, carrying out an important role in conserving the mute swan population. The wellbeing of adult swans is also monitored, and valuable data is collected to support ongoing conservation efforts.

Injured birds are identified and treated by members of Swan Support who accompany the Swan Uppers on the river. Swan Support is a voluntary organisation based in Bray that cares for swans and reacts to reports of swans in distress.

DEFRA has confirmed 90 bird flu cases in the UK since the start of last year.