At least eight swans have died in a Glasgow park following a bird flu outbreak.
The bodies of the birds were spotted at Knightswood Park in the city by a concerned member of the public, who reported it to the council on Tuesday. As reported by Glasgow Live, signs have been up at the beauty spot for a while warning the public not feed the birds as it encourages them to flock and spread the bug.
However, it would appear the warning has been ignored as footage appeared to show bread piled up at the waterline. The devastating news comes after an outbreak of avian flu killed 23 swans at Hogganfield Loch, in the north-east of the city, in November.
The council say six swans were found dead and two others had to be put down. They added it is feared the outbreak could have a severe impact on the bird population.
Guidance has been issued to the public to keep dogs on leads, remain on footpaths and to steer clear of sick or dead birds. The current outbreak is the worst in Scotland in terms of transmission and mortality rates.
A spokesman for the council said: “It is likely that an outbreak of the virus at the park has the potential to have a significant impact on its bird population. Limiting the spread of the virus in the park is crucial and we have ensured the dead animals have been removed as quickly as possible.
“The public also has an important role in helping to prevent the transfer of the virus and they should follow the advice that will be displayed around the park. We ask that dogs are kept on leads close to areas where infection is suspected and that people do not feed the birds as this encourages the birds to congregate.
“People are also asked not to touch a dead or sick bird, including any feathers, and should also avoid ground covered with wild bird droppings. If anyone sees a dead or sick bird in public places across the city, they should report this to our environmental health team through our website or by calling 0141 287 1059. People can also report on-line at the DEFRA website.”
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