Three dead swans and a number of geese have been discovered at Port Meadow, amid a suspected case of Avian Flu (bird flu) in Oxford.

The potential case of the disease has reportedly been identified by a vet at Iffley Lock in Oxford.

It is also believe to have spread to Port Meadow where a number of dead birds were found last week.

READ MORE: Suspected case of bird flu reported at Iffley Lock in Oxford

In a Twitter post shared by community page Carry On Cumnor! advice was listed from Swan Support, a swan rescue centre treating sick and injured birds within the Thames Valley area.  

The post states: “Avian influenza has been confirmed by a veterinarian at Iffley Lock in Oxford. In addition, it is likely to have spread to Port Meadow where further dead geese have been found this week.”

The Oxford Mail contacted Swan Support about the post and a member of staff said while the organisation is “99 per cent” sure it is bird flu they are waiting for an official confirmation from Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

A spokesperson for Oxford City Council said: "We have received reports of three dead swans and a number of geese. ODS Countryside Rangers, working with the volunteers of Swan Support, collected the swans.

"They will be tested by DEFRA for avian influenza. At the moment we have not had any confirmed cases of avian influenza in the city.

"We can all do to help minimize the potential spread of avian flu by not disturbing wildfowl on rivers and in meadows. Any dead wildfowl should be reported to ODS Parks and Open Spaces on 01865 252240."

The UK Health Security Agency explains on its website that bird flu is an infectious influenza that spreads amongst birds. While some strains can pass to humans this is extremely rare and usually requires very close contact with an infected bird – so the risk is considered low.

Bird flu outbreaks can happen at any time of the year. However, in the UK seasonal increases are typically related to the winter migration patterns of wild birds.

-

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.