Bird flu outbreak in Fareham Creek confirmed after seven swans found dead

A laboratory report from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed that the virus was found on three swabs taken from the affected birds.

A spokeswoman from Defra said: ‘We can confirm avian flu was found present in a small number of birds in Fareham.

‘Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find in the wild.’

The risk to human health from the virus is very low, but it poses a serious threat to wild and domestic birds, as well as those kept as livestock.

Now residents are concerned about the welfare of the 80 swans that live along Fareham Creek, according to avid bird watcher Paula Headley, who made the initial report to the government agency.

The Deane's Park Road resident was ‘disappointed’ that Defra had not visited the area to post warning signs – and has taken action into her own hands.

She said: ‘No one has been down to put up a notice, so I put up my own notice, to advise people walking down the footpath to keep their footwear clean.

‘I am a bit disappointed.

‘They must be snowed under with other work at the moment.’

With the virus taking ten days to clear, Paula intends to leave the signs up for another ten days while her and other bird watchers monitor the area for any further deaths.

Fareham Borough Council will continue to take advice from Defra as the lead agency, according to Councillor Katrina Trott, who represents the Fareham East ward.

She said: ‘I am concerned – it is quite distressing.

‘I know people are concerned about the swans, but I would ask people not to visit the creek and discourage them from going near the swans and feeding them.’

SEE ALSO: Fareham politician Sean Woodward resigns cabinet role in Hampshire County Council due to 'personal reasons'

This month there has been a total of 13 known outbreaks of bird flu among wildlife across the UK, with more than 70 wild birds testing positive for the virus in Dorset.

Defra does not undertake culls in wild bird populations.

Any dead wild birds found in the area should be reported to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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