AN OXFORD swan had bird flu, it has been confirmed this afternoon. 

This information comes as Oxfordshire County Council has issued advice to people living in the county.

The council has advised people who are out walking where wild birds are to keep away from the birds and to avoid touching them. 

You can read more about the advice here>>>

A team member at Swan Support, a charity helping sick and injured swans across Thames Valley, told the Oxford Mail the confirmed case is related to a swan at Iffley Lock.

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

Two weeks ago, the Oxford Mail reported that a vet suspected a case of bird flu in that area.

The disease is also believe to have spread to Port Meadow where a 'three dead swans and number of geese' were also found.

Swan Support said the incidents of dead birds at Port Meadow is still being investigated by Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

READ MORE: Oxfordshire County Council confirms bird flu in county

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.

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