The swans’ eyes changed colour due to the virus
Multiple swans have been found dead at a lake near Bristol.(Image: Curious Critters)
Multiple swans have been found dead near a lake after a bird flu outbreak was reported near Bristol.
The outbreak of Avian Influenza was discovered at Backwell Lake after five swans were found deceased.
The Curious Critters charity posted on Facebook that the swans had displayed a “unique symptom”, that their eyes changed to a blue colour. The colour change was due to the virus affecting the cells lining the cornea.
The charity said it is “very confident” that it is an outbreak of Avian Influenza and has asked the community to follow guidelines.
(Image: Curious Critters)
The deceased swans were retrieved in order to safeguard the remaining wildlife and stop the virus from spreading.
A spokesperson for Curious Critters said: “On Sunday, November 9, we were made aware of multiple deceased swans at Backwell Lake.
“Having liaised closely with Bath Swan Rescue and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), safe collection of five deceased swans took place this morning (Monday, November 10).
“Whilst we would typically wait for final lab results prior to an announcement, multiple of the swans sadly displayed a very unique symptom of Avian Influenza – their eyes had changed to a characteristic blue colour.
“This happens when the virus affects the cells lining the cornea. We are very confident we are looking at an Avian Influenza outbreak and would ask that the community please follow the guidelines on the poster attached [to the Facebook post] to help prevent spread.
The swans were retrieved.(Image: Curious Critters)
“Retrieving the deceased swans will have played a huge role in safeguarding the remaining wildlife.
“I want to thank Bath Swan Rescue who yet again gave invaluable advice, equipment, and helped co-ordinated this whole mission.
“Please be considerate during this sad time, and do all you can to keep yourself, your pets and the wildlife safe.”
Advice has been issued regarding bird flu on the Facebook post. It said to:
Keep to the footpathKeep dogs on leadsDo not feed wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks)Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birdsDo not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppingsIf keeping poultry or other birds, wash hands and clean and disinfect footwear before tending to birdsReport any dead wild waterfowl or wild birds to DEFRA