Health officials in the UK are investigating a worrying development as thirty dead swans have been found in the River Thames over the last week. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is currently testing the birds to ascertain the cause of death, amid rising fears of a new avian flu outbreak. The incidents have reportedly occurred in and around the inner and outer Millwall Docklands neighborhood near Canary Wharf in east London.

Ben Macmillan, an ecologist for the Canal & River Trust, emphasized the importance of not disturbing any dead birds found by the public and urged individuals to report such findings directly to DEFRA. While there is currently no risk identified to the general public, he cautioned that the situation necessitates careful monitoring to prevent potential spread, particularly because of the virulence associated with avian flu in wild birds.

This discovery not only raises alarm in regard to wildlife health but also has implications for public health management during avian flu outbreaks. The swift action of DEFRA in recovering the bodies and conducting investigations aims to mitigate any potential risks and inform the community regarding safety measures. As tests are underway, experts and the public await further information to understand the full extent of the situation and any necessary responses that may need to be implemented.