BIRD flu fears have been sparked in Worcester after six dead swans were found.
Worcester City Council confirmed the birds had been found along a stretch of the River Severn between the cathedral and the railway viaduct.
It added that some parts of the riverside path had been closed to help reduce the spread.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said it was too early to confirm if the birds had died as a result of avian flu.
A bird flu prevention zone was imposed across the whole of England last weekend following a rise in confirmed cases, meaning people who keep domesticated birds should follow enhanced hygiene measures.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also confirmed a person in the West Midlands had contracted the human version of bird flu.
It added however that cases of bird-to-human transmission were very rare and the risk to the wider public remained low.
Signs have been placed near the River Severn warning people to avoid contact with wild birds, including their feathers and faeces, and to keep their dogs on a lead.
A post on Worcester’s Swan Food Project Facebook page urges people to be cautious when walking by the river.
It continues: “Looks like AI is back, with a number of swans dead and many looking unwell. There are unwell swans resting along the banks. Please be kind to them and leave them in peace. Don’t let your dog chase them into the water, or go into the water. Although the risk to humans is low, do not handle any sick or dead birds.
“As the last outbreak was in 2022 the younger swans will have no resistance to it, so we can expect more deaths this time. It is likely that the worst will be over in two weeks.”
Anyone who finds a dead bird is asked to report it to the council.
