It is a week on from when dead birds were found at Port Meadow and there is still no update on suspected cases of bird flu in Oxford.

Last week, the Oxford Mail reported that a number of dead birds, including three swans and several geese, had been referred to Oxford City Council after being found at Port Meadow.

A suspected case of bird flu was also identified by a vet at Iffley Lock.

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A week on from the reports and there have been no further updates from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who are investigating whether to deaths are due to bird flu.

A member of staff at Swan Support, a swan rescue centre treating sick and injured birds within the Thames Valley area, described that it is a “nightmare at the moment with DEFRA”.

When news of the dead swans first broke a social media post shared by community page Carry On Cumnor! listed advice from Swan Support.

The post stated: “Be aware if you are out and about walking, especially down by the river, this weekend. Avian flu has been reported in Oxford.”

At the time, 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."

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