Bird flu: A dozen swans found dead in Glasgow park

Twelve swans have been found dead in a Glasgow park.

The birds were discovered at Hogganfield Park, which includes Hogganfield Loch, in the north east of the city.

Glasgow City Council, which looks after the park, said it expected the number of deaths to rise.

Two further swans are reported to be sick and council officials say the public should stay away from any birds that are dead or appear to be ill.

One local, Paul Gallagher, took to Twitter to warn others to avoid the park, calling it “the most traumatic dog walk of my life”.

Hogganfield Park is part of the Seven Lochs Gateway and Hogganfield Loch is a large, shallow body of water with a wooded island. It is considered Glasgow’s best site for wintering water birds such as whooper swan and goldeneye duck.

Glasgow City Council tweeted about the discovery of six birds on Tuesday afternoon, but quickly increased the number of dead birds to 12.

A spokesman for the council said that in line with advice from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), it was assumed the birds had died from avian flu.

The spokesman is asking the public to avoid any contact with a dead bird or any bird that appears to be visibly sick and to report this to them by calling 0141 287 1059.

Two weeks ago, Scotland’s chief vet said strict new rules to fight bird flu in England would not be replicated here yet.

All poultry and captive birds in England were ordered to be kept indoors from 7 November amid the worst ever bird flu outbreak.

Chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas said the evidence in Scotland did not currently justify a housing order.

But she said officials were “keeping the situation under review”.