**Dozens of Swans Found Dead in London Canal as Defra Launches Investigation**
More than 25 swans have been discovered dead in a London canal, causing distress among conservation groups who are now seeking answers regarding the cause of these deaths. The charity Swan Support reported that the concerning events began at the end of September when volunteers stumbled upon several dead birds along the stretch of the Grand Union Canal in Bankside, Southall.
Since the initial discovery, the charity has uncovered a total of 25 deceased swans, along with 15 geese, three ducks, two coots, and a moorhen along the same portion of the canal that extends through Uxbridge. The mystery surrounding the deceased birds is deepening as initial tests conducted on the first set of dead swans have produced negative results for avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.
Speculations abound regarding the potential causes, with poisoning or pollution not ruled out by Swan Support. Alongside the community group Friends of Grand Union Canal, they have called for an investigation into the matter, a request that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has confirmed to have initiated.
A spokesperson for Friends of Grand Union Canal shared how the members first noted the presence of dead swans on 24 September following heavy rains. Subsequent reports have continued almost daily since then, with Swan Support bravely undertaking the task of collecting the bodies from the water, a distressing responsibility.
Expressing their position, Swan Support stated that while they are willing to retrieve the corpses, they lack the financial means to cover disposal costs. They highlighted the urgency of the situation, indicating a spreading illness that may be linked to either bird flu or water contamination. Precautions are being emphasised to safeguard the health of both the birds already under care and those yet to be rescued from the affected area.
The Canal and River Trust has voiced its concern over the reports of deceased swans in west London, underlining the significance of wild birds within canal ecosystems. They reinforced the importance of Defra’s role in investigating possible bird flu outbreaks, urging the public not to handle or approach dead or visibly sick birds but instead to report such cases to the Defra helpline at 03459 33 55 77.
A spokesperson from Defra’s animal and plant health agency stated, “We are aware of a number of wild bird deaths in the Uxbridge area in West London and are investigating these deaths as part of our wild bird surveillance programme.”
The community and conservation groups involved are united in their quest for transparency and answers amidst this unsettling occurrence, urging authorities to expedite their investigation to shed light on the mysterious deaths that have left many in mourning.