A suspected outbreak of bird flu has taken hold among swans in the Thames Valley, with officials scrambling to contain the spread of the deadly virus. Since October, over 300 cases of bird flu have been recorded in swans across the region, with a staggering 39 confirmed cases in the first four weeks of 2026 alone.
However, charity volunteers and members of the public are warning that official figures may underestimate the true extent of the outbreak. In recent weeks, at least 46 dead swans have been found in Windsor and Maidenhead, while another 26 have been discovered in Newbury. The birds' bodies often display telltale signs of bird flu, including lethargy, bleeding from the eyes, and erratic behaviour.
Swan Support, a local charity working to protect swans, has been collecting dead birds and removing them from waterways as part of an effort to contain the outbreak. "The birds were spinning around in circles and bleeding from the eyes," said operations director Wendy Hermon. "It's heartbreaking to see such sick birds."
While Defra officials have confirmed that some recovered bodies have been sent for testing, a confirmation of bird flu as the cause of death has yet to be received.
Bird flu is a highly infectious and deadly disease that can spread rapidly through contact with infected animals' faeces, mucus, blood, or saliva. Since 2021, the H5N1 strain has devastated bird populations across the UK, killing thousands of birds.
As concerns about the outbreak continue to grow, David Barber, king's swan marker for the Thames Valley region, warned that the situation is grim and likely much worse than official figures suggest. "It's been pretty grim," he said. "We've had 40-plus swans die in this area, but I think there may be double that number."
Experts stress the importance of public awareness and cooperation to prevent further spread of the disease. Members of the public are advised to report any dead or sick birds they find online or contact Defra's helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
The UK government has issued guidance on how to handle dead or sick birds, emphasizing the need for hand-washing and avoiding direct contact with infected animals.
However, charity volunteers and members of the public are warning that official figures may underestimate the true extent of the outbreak. In recent weeks, at least 46 dead swans have been found in Windsor and Maidenhead, while another 26 have been discovered in Newbury. The birds' bodies often display telltale signs of bird flu, including lethargy, bleeding from the eyes, and erratic behaviour.
Swan Support, a local charity working to protect swans, has been collecting dead birds and removing them from waterways as part of an effort to contain the outbreak. "The birds were spinning around in circles and bleeding from the eyes," said operations director Wendy Hermon. "It's heartbreaking to see such sick birds."
While Defra officials have confirmed that some recovered bodies have been sent for testing, a confirmation of bird flu as the cause of death has yet to be received.
Bird flu is a highly infectious and deadly disease that can spread rapidly through contact with infected animals' faeces, mucus, blood, or saliva. Since 2021, the H5N1 strain has devastated bird populations across the UK, killing thousands of birds.
As concerns about the outbreak continue to grow, David Barber, king's swan marker for the Thames Valley region, warned that the situation is grim and likely much worse than official figures suggest. "It's been pretty grim," he said. "We've had 40-plus swans die in this area, but I think there may be double that number."
Experts stress the importance of public awareness and cooperation to prevent further spread of the disease. Members of the public are advised to report any dead or sick birds they find online or contact Defra's helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
The UK government has issued guidance on how to handle dead or sick birds, emphasizing the need for hand-washing and avoiding direct contact with infected animals.
I'm worried about these poor swans. Official numbers are probably way off. Have you seen those videos of birds spinning around in circles? It's crazy! 
We should be taking this seriously, but at the same time, we need to make sure not to panic. The fact that experts think it might be double what official figures say is terrifying. 
What if it spreads to other areas? We need more support for these charities collecting dead birds and raising awareness about bird flu. 
Let's all do our part to help prevent the spread of this deadly disease! 
. 300+ cases already recorded & still not sure if its really bird flu but defra's bein all secretive about it 
. meanwhile, charity ppl r collectin bodies & cleanin up but its clear more needs 2 b done ASAP 
The whole thing about swans in the Thames Valley is kinda worrying - they're not just any ordinary birds, you know? They've got a special place in our hearts 'cause of King Henry VIII and all that royal history. Anyway, 300+ cases of bird flu seems like a lot, but if charity volunteers are saying there might be more cases than what's officially reported... 
and I'm kinda with him on that.
. The fact that there might be double the number of dead birds than what the officials are countin'... that's just crazy talk! 
Don't let this thing just keep spreadin' and spreadin' till it's too late.