Volunteers and members of the public are working urgently to contain a suspected outbreak of bird flu among swans in the Thames Valley region, as confirmed cases continue to rise and fears grow that the spread may be more extensive than currently recorded.
Rising Case Numbers and Dead Birds Found
Since October, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha), which is sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), has recorded 324 cases of bird flu in swans. Alarmingly, 39 of these cases were documented in the first four weeks of 2026 alone, indicating a persistent and troubling trend.
However, there is mounting concern that these official figures might not fully capture the true scale of the outbreak. The animal charity Swan Support has reported finding 46 dead swans in the borough of Windsor and Maidenhead since 17 January, along with an additional 26 in Newbury. In a recent development, two swans were discovered dead in Windsor on Thursday, with three more found on Friday in the Berkshire village of Hurley.
Symptoms and Suspicions of Bird Flu
Wendy Hermon, the operations director at Swan Support, described disturbing symptoms observed in the affected birds. She noted that they were found "spinning around in circles [and] bleeding from the eyes", as well as appearing lethargic. These signs have prompted strong suspicions that bird flu is the underlying cause, though confirmation from Defra is still pending for some of the recovered bodies sent for testing.
David Barber, the King’s swan marker who monitors populations of these birds, echoed these concerns, stating, "It has been pretty grim and one of the worst years we’ve had for bird flu. We’ve had 40-plus swans that have died [in the Thames Valley region] but there’s probably double that number." He added that while Defra has not yet confirmed bird flu in all cases, there is a widespread belief among experts and volunteers that the virus is responsible.
Background and Transmission Risks
Since 2021, the H5N1 strain of bird flu has devastated bird populations across the United Kingdom. This virus is highly infectious, with scientists warning that a single infected bird can potentially transmit the disease to up to 100 others. Transmission can occur through various means, including faeces, mucus, blood, and saliva, making containment efforts particularly challenging.
Volunteer Efforts and Public Cooperation
Hermon praised the public for their "amazing" cooperation in reporting suspected cases to Swan Support. The charity has been actively collecting dead or sick birds and removing them from waterways to help prevent further spread. Without such proactive measures, Hermon warned that "it’s likely that the virus will spread even more" to other bird species, exacerbating the ecological impact.
In line with Apha guidance, Swan Support advises the public to avoid touching dead or visibly sick birds. They also recommend thorough handwashing after feeding wild birds or coming into contact with their feathers to minimise any risk of transmission.
Reporting and Next Steps
Members of the public are encouraged to report findings of dead wild birds through online channels or by contacting Defra’s helpline on 03459 33 55 77. This collaborative approach between authorities, charities, and the community is crucial for monitoring and managing the outbreak effectively.
As the situation unfolds, continued vigilance and swift action will be essential to protect swan populations and prevent a wider environmental crisis in the Thames Valley and beyond.
