No less than a dozen swans have died at a Glasgow Park because of suspected avian flu.
Glasgow Metropolis Council confirmed it had obtained recommendation from the Division for Atmosphere, Meals and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) after the birds have been discovered at Hogganfield Park.
The native authority mentioned the quantity was prone to rise amid fears over the unfold of the extremely pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus – which is experiencing its largest-ever UK outbreak.
Nevertheless, there are not any plans for a cull of the birds at this stage, the council mentioned.
A spokesman added: “In-line with recommendation from DEFRA, we’re assuming the birds have died from avian flu and it’s doubtless the variety of useless birds will rise.
“DEFRA has been notified of the incident and so they have indicated they are going to go to the park to undertake additional checks
“We’re monitoring our parks frequently however members of the general public are suggested to keep away from any contact with a useless fowl or any fowl that seems to be visibly sick.”
RSPB Scotland mentioned anybody who encounters a useless fowl ought to keep away from making contact and proceed to report them to the DEFRA helpline.
The charity’s head of species and habitats, Paul Walton, added: “We’re reassured that the NatureScot-led HPAI Process Drive is guiding and co-ordinating responses to additional outbreaks and is contemplating how we sort out the nationwide problem of the constructing resilience in wild-bird populations by way of species restoration programmes.
“We should all see this as a wakeup name for motion to revive and shield Scotland’s wild species as a part of our nationwide response to the character and local weather emergency.”
An “avian flu safety zone” has been declared throughout Britain in the course of the unfolding battle towards the pressure.
All poultry and captive birds in England are actually below strict family curfews in an effort to cease the illness leaping from wild to home animals.
A Scottish Authorities spokesperson mentioned: “The most recent outbreak of avian flu is the most important seen within the UK up to now. This has affected the wild fowl inhabitants in addition to business and yard flocks.
“Whereas sustaining excessive ranges of biosecurity amongst home poultry flocks helps shield towards illness, addressing the illness amongst wild birds poses important challenges.
“The Scottish Authorities is taking the scenario very severely and is working laborious with associate organisations to progress measures to answer the experiences of elevated mortality amongst wild fowl populations.”
