BIRD FLU HAS been confirmed in a swan that was found dead in Co Cork.

It’s understood that 11 swans were found dead at the site on private lands at Loughaderry Lake near Castlemartyr.

A spokesperson from the Department of Agriculture remarked that there has been an “increased number of deaths in swans” reported at the location.

The Department carries out bird flu surveillance testing throughout the year on targeted dead wild birds to understand if it is circulating in the wild bird population and then provides information to the poultry industry to inform them of risk.

The Department, however, said it is unable to collect, remove or provide treatment to sick wild birds.

“Where they are not needed for surveillance, the routine collection of dead birds’ rests with the landowner,” said the Department.

“It is the responsibility of the Local Authority to safely dispose of carcasses where they are on public land.”

The Department also reminded the public of the importance of reporting sick or dead wild birds to the Avian Check app, which helps to monitor the presence of bird flu in the wild bird population.

Depending on the number and species of the birds, samples may be taken for submission to the veterinary laboratory to test for presence of bird flu. 

All flock owners have also been reminded of the importance of implementing appropriate biosecurity measures and to remain vigilant of the possibility of bird flu being present in the environment or being transmitted by wild birds.

Meanwhile, Cork County Council said it has been in contact with the Department “to assess the situation” after the reports of dead swans Castlemartyr.

The Council said arrangements have been made for the “safe and controlled removal of the carcasses” and that this will be carried out today by the Cork County Civil Defence, alongside Department officials.

Cork County Council said it will continue to monitor the situation and liaise with the relevant authorities as required.