Public and charity workers are working on suspicions of an outbreak of bird flu among swans in the Thames Valley, amid signs that confirmed cases are continuing to rise.
Since October, 324 cases of bird flu in swans have been recorded by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (Afa), sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Of these, 39 were recorded in the first four weeks of 2026.
However, there is growing concern that official statistics may underestimate the true extent of the outbreak. Animal charity Swan Support said 46 dead swans had been found in Windsor and Maidenhead Borough since January 17, along with another 26 in Newbury. Two swans died in Windsor on Thursday and three more on Friday Berkshire Harli village.
Wendy Hermon, director of operations at Swan Support, said the birds “were spotted going around in circles.” [and] Bleeding from the eyes”, as well as looking lethargic, prompts the suspicion that bird flu may be the cause.
The charity said some of the recovered bodies had been sent to Defra for tests, but had not yet confirmed bird flu as the cause of death.
Since 2021, the H5N1 strain of bird flu has decimated bird populations across the UK. The virus is so contagious that scientists say a single bird is contagious Infects up to 100 others, and it spreads through feces, mucus, blood, and saliva.
David Barber, the King’s swan marker who monitors bird populations, said: “It’s been terrible and one of the worst years we’ve had for bird flu. We’ve had 40-plus swans die. [in the Thames Valley region] But that number could be double.
“Unfortunately, [Defra] Came back and didn’t confirm it was bird flu – [but] We all know it’s bird flu.
Herrmann praised members of the public for being “fantastic” in reporting suspected cases to the charity, which is collecting birds and removing them from waterways in an effort to control the virus. Without such action, she said, “the virus is more likely to spread to other bird species.”
An Afa spokesman said: “We are aware of wild bird deaths reported in the Berkshire area, and a number of swans have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza.
“Members of the public are advised not to touch or pick up dead or visibly sick birds they find and to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water if they touch wild bird droppings or feathers or after feeding wild birds.”
Swan Support echoed Afa’s guidance about not touching dead or sick birds and washing hands.
Public representatives encouraged Report the results of dead wild birds online Or contact the Defra Helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
