Race to contain suspected bird flu outbreak among Thames Valley swans | Birds

Members of the public and charity volunteers are working to contain a suspected outbreak of bird flu among swans in the Thames Valley, as confirmed cases continue to rise.

Since October, 324 cases of bird flu in swans have been recorded by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha), sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Of these, 39 were recorded in the first four weeks of 2026 alone.

However, there are growing concerns that official figures underestimate the true scale of the epidemic. Animal charity Swan Support said 46 dead swans had been found in the Windsor and Maidenhead borough since January 17, along with a further 26 in Newbury. Two swans were discovered dead in Windsor on Thursday, and three more on Friday in the Berkshire village of Hurley.

Wendy Hermon, operations manager at Swan Support, said the birds were found “circling”. [and] bleeding from the eyes,” as well as a lethargic appearance, leading to suspicion that avian flu could be the cause.

The charity said some of the bodies found had been sent to Defra for testing, but confirmation of bird flu as the cause of death had not yet been received.

Since 2021, the H5N1 strain of bird flu has devastated bird populations across the UK. The virus is highly contagious, with scientists saying a single bird can infect up to 100 others and can be transmitted through droppings, mucus, blood and saliva.

David Barber, the King’s Swan Marker, who monitors bird populations, said: “It’s been quite bleak and one of the worst years we’ve had for bird flu. We’ve had over 40 swans die. [in the Thames Valley region] but there is probably double that figure.

“Unfortunately, [Defra] I didn’t come back and confirm it was bird flu – [but] we all know it’s bird flu.

Hermon praised members of the public for being “incredible” in reporting suspected cases to the charity, which collected the birds and removed them from waterways in a bid to contain the virus. Without such action, she said, “it is likely that the virus will spread even further” to other bird species.

An Apha spokesperson said: “We are aware of reported wild bird deaths in the Berkshire area, and a number of swans have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza.

“The public is advised not to touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds they find and to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water if they touch wild bird droppings or feathers or after feeding wild birds.”

Swan Support echoed Apha’s advice about not touching dead or sick birds and washing your hands.

Members of the public are encouraged to report discoveries of dead wild birds online or contact the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.