The most recent death was reported today after someone found a dead cygnetA group of swans and ducks near Llyn Padarn lake in Llanberis(Image: Daily Post Wales)

A deadly bird flu outbreak has been confirmed at a Welsh beauty spot as more swan deaths are reported. In recent weeks residents and visitors to Llanberis have spotted a number of dead swans and geese on Llyn Padarn.

Just this morning one person posted that they had seen dead cygnet on the lake in a sad update. It has been reported to the authorities.

This comes at a time of major UK outbreak of avian flu that is affecting wild birds, and poultry in captivity.

Now at least one case of bird flu has been confirmed at Llyn Padarn, with it expected that this number will increase as test results come back.

Warning signs have been erected by Cyngor Gwynedd around the lake.

These state: “A significant outbreak of birds flu affecting water birds – swans, geese ducks – is currently active across the UK.

“There has been at least one confirmed case of Avian Flu relating to a bird on Llyn Padarn.”

They warn people not to touch any dead, sick or injured birds, to keep dogs on a lead and to use hand sanitiser.

Welsh Government last month set up a protection zone in Denbighshire after confirming avian influenza.

People have been advised to call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) if they find any dead wild birds. They said: “The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will collect some of the dead wild birds reported. They will test them to help us understand how disease is distributed geographically and in different types of bird. Not all birds will be collected.”

Defra added: “The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) carries out year-round surveillance of dead wild birds submitted via public reports and warden patrols as part of its wild bird surveillance programme.

“APHA publish a report (updated weekly) on findings of HPAI in wild birds in Great Britain and further information on reports of avian influenza in wild bird in Great Britain and across Europe are available via APHAs outbreak assessments.

“APHA have also launched a new interactive map of reported wild bird mortality and findings of avian influenza virus (bird flu) in wild birds and wild mammals and an interactive data dashboard of findings of avian influenza virus in wild birds.”

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