Concerns are mounting in the Thames Valley as the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) reports over 320 cases of bird flu among swans since October. With the confirmed outbreak escalating, community volunteers and wildlife charities are racing against time to manage the situation and safeguard both avian populations and public health.
Rising Incidence of Bird Flu
The APHA has documented a staggering 324 cases of bird flu in swans, with 39 of these occurring in the first month of 2026 alone. This sharp increase has raised alarms among wildlife experts and local charities, who fear that the true extent of the outbreak is significantly underreported. The charity Swan Support has noted the grim discovery of 46 deceased swans in the borough of Windsor and Maidenhead since mid-January, alongside an additional 26 in Newbury. The discovery of two dead swans in Windsor and three more in Hurley has heightened fears that the virus may be spreading rapidly.
Wendy Hermon, operations director at Swan Support, described disturbing symptoms observed in affected birds, including erratic behaviour and visible signs of distress, such as bleeding from the eyes. While some bodies have been sent to Defra for testing, confirmation of bird flu as the cause of death is still pending.
The Threat of H5N1
Since its emergence in 2021, the H5N1 strain of bird flu has wreaked havoc on avian populations across the UK. The virus is notably contagious, with studies indicating that a single infected bird can transmit the disease to as many as 100 others. The virus spreads through various bodily fluids, including faeces and saliva, and poses a significant risk not only to birds but also to other wildlife species.
David Barber, the King’s swan marker, expressed his deep concern regarding the current crisis, stating, “It has been pretty grim and one of the worst years we’ve had for bird flu.” He estimates that the death toll among swans in the Thames Valley could be double the reported figures, further underscoring the severity of the situation.
Community Action and Public Safety
In response to the escalating crisis, community members have been lauded for their proactive approach in reporting suspected cases to Swan Support. The charity has been diligently collecting affected birds and removing them from local waterways to help contain the outbreak. Hermon emphasised that without these efforts, the virus could continue to proliferate among other bird species.
The public is urged to refrain from handling dead or visibly ill birds and to maintain stringent hygiene practices after interacting with wild birds. Reports of deceased wild birds can be submitted online, or individuals can contact Defra’s helpline at 03459 33 55 77 for guidance.
Why it Matters
The ongoing surge in bird flu cases poses a critical threat not only to local swan populations but also to the broader ecosystem and public health. As wildlife enthusiasts and community volunteers work tirelessly to contain the outbreak, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance within our natural world. Understanding and addressing such outbreaks is vital to protecting both wildlife and human communities from potential zoonotic diseases, highlighting the urgent need for robust environmental and public health measures.
