A spate of swan deaths at a Widnes park has sparked fears of an outbreak of avian flu.
Lyndsey Byrne, from Hough Green, who regularly visits Spike Island to check on the birds, said 20 swans and four geese have died there since November 23.
The issue has been reported to the RSPCA and the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra), which Lyndsey said had taken the bodies of birds away for testing but no results have been returned.
Lyndsey, 42, said the wave of deaths follows other outbreaks of avian flu, also known as “bird flu”, in other areas including in Cheshire.
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She added that some dead swans were “still floating in the water” as recently as December 6.
Some of the swans are so well-known by visitors that that they've been given names, but many are now dead.
Lyndsey said the latest bodies found involved the loss of “Bungle”, “Zippy”, “Mavis” and “Buddy”.
There are now concerns the disease, if present, will continue to spread among Spike Island’s remaining swan population, geese and a lone whooper swan called Wendy who is believed to have been left behind by her flock while injured before ingratiating herself into the beauty spot’s bird population as well as residents’ affections.
A Defra spokesman said positive tests for bird deaths involving avian flu are regularly published online by the government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency.
He made no specific reference to Widnes.
At time of writing, the most recent bulletin had been released on November 29, which featured no confirmed infections for Halton.
Halton Borough Council issued a public alert on November 25 asking bird keepers and the public to report any concerns but at that time no cases had been confirmed.
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On December 6 it issued a further statement to say: “We are aware of bird deaths in that area but as yet we do not have confirmation as to the cause.”
Lyndsey, who has been isolating with Covid-19, said fellow members of the informal WRW Wings (Warrington, Runcorn and Widnes) group have been keeping a watchful eye on the wellbeing of the swans for further signs of illness in her absence.
Lyndsey told the ECHO: “November 23 was the first one that passed away, the first swan, and I sat with that for two-and-a-half hours till the RSPCA came.
“They had to put it to sleep.
“They sent it off to Defra and I’ve not been able to get any results.
“They’ve been dropping like flies.
“It’s absolutely devastating.
“We’ve lost 13 swans since that first day.”
Speaking a day later, Lyndsey said this figure had now climbed to a devastating 20 swan deaths and four dead Canadian geese.
Jay Scott, another member of WRW Wings, said members knew avian flu was "inevitable", and he has urged visitors to disinfect their shoes and wheels such as on prams after visiting the area to minimise the risk of spread.
She said: "We all knew avian flu was inevitable it was a case of holding out and waiting to see if it avoided spike island or hit it.
"Sadly two weeks ago we got the call regarding a very poorly swan and some deceased birds.
"Our girls went over as soon as possible to check the situation.
"They discovered a young deceased swan and RSPCA was called, who then removed and sent the body to Defra for testing.
"Unfortunately Defra are taking a long time in getting back to anybody with the results and we are pushing them as much as possible to let people know.
"It is imperative the area is informed so people are fully aware.
"We as a group started making those around know that it was very likely AF and to take precautions. As the days went on sadly more and more poorly or deceased swans where bought to our attention.
"We then got the RSPCA involved again and they have been here every day since, helping remove the deceased and with putting to sleep any that are suffering.
She added: "We want people to be aware of how it can be passed on, Defra website have all the guidelines
"If people do plan on visiting spike island we would suggest disinfecting and thoroughly cleaning shoes , pram (or) bike wheels afterwards, making sure their dogs are kept on a lead when walking the area, cleaning their feet also.
"Anyone within the area that usually visits the swans and that have their own birds I would honestly suggest to not call down there at present."
The RSPCA has visited the area following reports of birds in "distress" and has advised residents not to touch or move sick swans.
An RSPCA spokeswoman said: "RSPCA officers have attended Spike Island 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 APHA (The Animal and Plant Health Agency) 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 growing number of incidents of the highly infectious avian influenza virus.”
While no cases had been confirmed by Defra in Halton at time of writing according to the online log, poultry keepers and members of the public are asked to report finding any dead or distressed wild or domestic birds – including swans, geese and ducks - to Defra by calling 03459 335 577.
The Environment Secretary has warned the UK is experiencing the "largest-ever outbreak" of avian flu.
Speaking in the House of Commons, George Eustice said: "Each year the UK faces a seasonal risk in incursion of avian influenza associated with migratory wild birds. While we have that each year, I have to say this year we are now seeing the largest-ever outbreak in the UK of avian influenza with 36 confirmed cases."
On the measures the Government is taking, he added: "We have put in place an avian influenza prevention zone that came into force on the November 3 in England and November 17 in Northern Ireland, and an additional housing order was introduced on November 29. Our chief veterinary officer continues to lead the response to this episode."
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