People in Worcester told to take care on paths near River Severn, following swan deaths to suspected bird flu
Several swans were found dead earlier this week due to suspected bird flu.
People in Worcester are being reminded to take extra care when heading out near the river Severn this weekend, after several swans were found dead earlier this week due to suspected bird flu.
Worcester City Council made the announcement on Tuesday evening regarding the swans, with parts of the riverside paths being closed to try to limit the spread and signs up warning people to avoid contact with wild birds.
Last week a bird flu prevention zone was put in place across the whole of England, with those who have birds being told to carry out extra cleaning measures.
In a statement the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said the risk to human health remained low.
Marilyn McCarthy from the Swan Food Project in Worcester says it's hard seeing the swans like this, and everyone needs to be careful when heading out on the city river paths.
"Swans bring the river to life really, with their beauty and their calls to each other, it's sad to see them unwell," she said.
"People need to be kind and mindful, so they need not to handle swans, never to hand feed, keep their dog on a lead, or even go somewhere else while this passes.
Earlier this week the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said a person in the West Midlands had contracted bird flu after "close and prolonged contact with a large number of infected birds."
Anyone who sees anything in Worcester near the river regarding the swans is asked to report it to the council.