Suspected bird flu kills cygnets and geese at Widnes

Fifty swans and 29 Canada geese have been found dead in the past week.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) says a 'highly pathogenic bird flu' has been identified across the country.

This new strain, H5N1, is highly contagious and is spread by bird faeces.

The public is advised not to pick up any dead or visibly sick birds.

Birds have also been affected in Winsford in Cheshire.

The RSPCA is making daily inspections in a boat on the River Weaver to assess wildlife and rescue any birds found seriously ill.

Northwich mum Tanya Pickering, 50, raised the alarm on Christmas Day and now visits the beauty spot every day with daughter Eloise, 21, to check on the health of the swans.

"It is horrific, totally devastating," said Tanya, who belongs to Swanwatch UK. "We have already cried over this and there are more tears to come. We've been warned we could lost 90 per cent of the flock.

"Nothing can be done, they can't be treated.

Strong swans can fight off the suspected flu, she says, but frail birds are at risk.

"The RSPCA is down here doing daily health checks," said Tanya. "It's a fine balance about when they should intervene. They don't want to take a swan off the water who might get better.

"But it will kill weaker birds and those with underlying health conditions," said Tanya.

"Spike Island in Widnes has already lost 50 swans and 29 Canada geese."

The public is warned to take safety precautions.

"Swans do rely on support feeding because their natural food sources are depleted in the winter and there isn't as much to eat," said Tanya.

"But people must not hand feed them. Put food in the water and it is very important to sanitise your hands and disinfect your footwear when you leave."

An RSPCA spokesman said: “RSPCA officers have attended the Winsford area during the past week following reports that a number of swans appeared to be showing signs of distress.

“Unfortunately a number of the birds appeared to be very sick and in an extremely poor condition and sadly, the kindest option was for these birds to be put to sleep.

“Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are aware of the situation and a number of the birds have been sent for testing for bird flu. We will continue to monitor the situation and offer help where required.

“In line with Government guidance, the RSPCA is advising the public not to touch, move or transport sick or dead birds amid a growing number of incidents of the highly infectious avian influenza virus.”

A Defra spokesman said: "These deaths are currently under investigation as part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency's (APHA) ongoing wild bird surveillance programme.

"APHA will arrange collection of some of these birds and test them to help us understand how the disease is distributed geographically and in different types of bird.

"Members of the public should not pick up any dead or visibly sick birds."