An avian flu outbreak has been confirmed at a nature reserve in Glasgow after a further 11 swans were found dead.
The bodies of the birds were found at Hogganfield Loch in the North East of the city today, bringing the total number of deaths to at least 23. Earlier this week, the animals' corpses were found floating in the water at the nature reserve, which is run by Glasgow City Council and is part of Scotland's largest urban nature park, Seven Lochs.
Images taken from the scene show several of the dead bird birds pictured both in the water and on the park's grasslands.
The Council has now confirmed there is an avian flu outbreak after a concerned member of the public reported the deaths to the Scottish SPCA.
Urgent advice has been given to locals, including keeping dogs on leads, keeping to designated footpaths and warnings not to touch any feathers or any of the dead birds.
A statement reads: "Following the death of a further 11 swans at Hogganfield, updated advice is being posted around the park. Please follow this advice carefully to limit the spread of avian flu as much as possible in the park and elsewhere in the city.
"Keep dogs on leads, keep to footpaths, don't feed wild birds, don't pick up or touch dead or sick birds and do not touch wild feathers."
The council has employed a contractor to ensure the animals are removed and disposed of appropriately. Multiple incidents of bird flu-related deaths of animals have been reported across Scotland in recent months and the latest outbreak is the largest seen in the UK to date.
In October, we told how avian flu was discovered on an island in the Outer Hebrides prompting a 3km cordon to be put in place.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza was found at premises in the Breaclete area on Great Bernera, the Scottish Government said. A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone have been established around the premises.
Meanwhile in August, the bodies of more than 100 dead birds and a 30ft whale were discovered on a Scots beach amid an avian flu crisis. Gannets, guillemots and fulmars were among the species reported to have been found among the sands and seaweed at Ardwell Bay Beach in Wigtownshire, approximately nine miles south of Stranraer. A minke whale was also found on the beach.
A Scottish Government spokesperson added: “The latest outbreak of avian flu is the largest seen in the UK to date. This has affected the wild bird population as well as commercial and backyard flocks.
“While maintaining high levels of biosecurity among domestic poultry flocks helps protect against disease, addressing the disease among wild birds poses significant challenges. Avian influenza is a disease that affects the wild bird population globally.
“The Scottish Government is taking the situation very seriously and is working hard with partner organisations to progress measures to respond to the reports of increased mortality among wild bird populations."
More information on avian flu can be found here.
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