On the Saturday, November 28, a Canada Goose and a Swan were found floating dead near the Boatslide Weir and Longholm Café area, on the River Ouse in Bedford.
These have been reported to DEFRA as a suspected Bird Flu outbreak, and to the environmental department of Bedford Borough Council for removal of the bodies, which took 48 hours.
DEFRA have yet to confirm the situation vis-a-vis Avian Flu regarding on these two bird deaths.
Since then there have been two more swans found dead on the river.
St Bedes Ford Swannery are stressing to the pubic not to feed the birds from the hand, asking for food to be placed in the water and not on the river banks.
Borough Council spokesperson said: “Bedford Borough Council spoke to DEFRA regarding the incident regarding the goose and swan.
“DEFRA are responsible for dealing with any outbreaks. Residents should report any concerns direct to DEFRA immediately.
“Bird flu is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of bird flu in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the DEFRA Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
“If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the DEFRA helpline (03459 33 55 77 – please select option 7).”
Further information about Avian Influenza can be found on the following link
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu
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