Second outbreak of bird flu confirmed in Stanley Park after swan falls ill and dies

It comes just days after Russia reported the first case of a strain of the disease, H5N8, being passed from poultry to humans.

Avian flu claimed the lives of nine of the park's flock in November last year, the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs confirmed. The first deceased swan was discovered on Sunday, November 15. Other dead swans, plus three sick ones, were recovered from the park in the following days.

However, since then no further deaths were reported, and it was believed the disease had been successfully wiped out in the area.

But last week a sick cygnet was found and taken away by the RSPCA for testing, and it has now been confirmed that it was indeed suffering from avian flu.

A Blackpool Council spokesman said: "Yesterday a cygnet was removed from the park by the RSPCA after showing signs of sickness. Unfortunately it had to be put to sleep.

"We have cordoned off access to the lake as a precautionary measure in light of the recent cases of avian flu in Blackpool and elsewhere in the country.

"The RSPCA will be monitoring the other birds on the lake and we will ensure they are fed.

"Stanley Park is still open for everyone to enjoy but please respect the cordon and do not go near the edge of the lake."

The RSPCA has been carrying out regular inspections of Stanley Park since the outbreak there in November.

Elaine Smith, chairman of the Friends of Stanley Park, said: "There was one swan they weren't sure about. It looked decidedly under the weather.

"It's a great shame. This disease has been all over the country and you can't put a swan in lockdown. You can't stop them mixing with other swans.

"The lake has been blocked off to stop people walking around, getting bird dirt on their shoes and then treading it to other parts of the town. Some of them may have pet hens or birds at home. We can't afford to risk spreading it around.

"I'm very sad that it's happened again and it's the last thing we want. We have had enough problems and the park has been a lifeline for people during Covid-19, and now all of a sudden a big area where they love to take their children is being blocked off. But there's nothing that can be done about it. We're just hoping and praying they caught it soon enough."