Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Keiran Fleming

Heartbreaking scene at Glasgow park as eight swans die in bird flu outbreak

Eight swans have died in a bird flu outbreak at a Glasgow park.

The sad sight was discovered by Jenny Ross this morning at Knightswood Park pond and she contacted the environmental health department at Glasgow City Council.

Signs have been up at the beauty spot for a while warning the public not feed the birds as it encourages them to flock and potentially spread the bug.

READ MORE: Family horrified as Golf GTI destroyed in 'arson attack' outside their home

However, pictures from the scene appear to suggest the warning has been ignored with bread piled up at the waterline.

The news comes just weeks after an outbreak of avian flu killed 23 swans at Hogganfield Loch.

The council say six swans were found dead yesterday and two others put down and it is feared the outbreak could have a severe impact on the bird population.

Swans lie dead in the water as others swim nearby (Jenny Ross/Glasgow Live)

The council has issued guidance to the public to keep dogs on leads, remain on footpaths and to steer clear of sick or dead birds.

The current outbreak is the worst in Scotland in terms of transmission and mortality rates.

A spokesman for the council said: “It is likely that an outbreak of the virus at the park has the potential to have a significant impact on its bird population.

“Limiting the spread of the virus in the park is crucial and we have ensured the dead animals have been removed as quickly as possible.

“The public also has an important role in helping to prevent the transfer of the virus and they should follow the advice that will be displayed around the park

“We ask that dogs are kept on leads close to areas where infection is suspected and that people do not feed the birds as this encourages the birds to congregate.

“People are also asked not to touch a dead or sick bird, including any feathers, and should also avoid ground covered with wild bird droppings.

“If anyone sees a dead or sick bird in public places across the city, they should report this to our environmental health team through our website or by calling 0141 287 1059. People can also report on-line at the DEFRA website.”

READ NEXT:

Transgender woman guilty of double rape after preying on 'vulnerable' females

Paisley shopkeeper punched repeatedly in face and held in headlock during terrifying raid

Heartbroken pal bids to give Glasgow mum 'send off she deserves' after River Clyde tragedy

Glasgow's free school holiday meals for hungry kids facing axe to save £500,000

20-year-old son forever grateful to Lanarkshire hospice carers after death of 'warrior mum'

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.