Swans and geese found dead in Caerphilly Castle moat

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People have been advised not to feed birds around Caerphilly Castle moat to help prevent the spread of bird flu – after several dead swans and geese were found over the last fortnight.

Cadw, the Welsh Government body responsible for the castle said the deaths had been reported to the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The Welsh Government’s Rural Affairs department, who are ultimately responsible for the birds, has warned people to stay away from any sick or dead birds as they await test results.

The fear is that the birds died of ‘avion influenza’ – a virus generally found among wild aquatic birds and more commonly known as bird flu.

According to the NHS, in rare instances it has been passed to people, although the risk is small.

In a statement, the Welsh Government said: “If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline 03459 335 577.

“Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick wild birds that you find.

“The Animal and Plant Health Agency will collect some of these birds and test them to help us understand how the disease is distributed geographically and in different types of bird.

“While Avian Flu is not confirmed, we are taking a precautionary approach and responding on the basis that this is the likely cause of the sad death of the birds at Caerphilly Castle.

“Laboratory confirmation of disease will not lead to any extra measures being introduced.”

Shayne Cook, councillor for the Morgan Jones ward said: “I want to thank residents for their vigilance and support. This is a distressing time and I urge residents to stay away from the wild birds while investigations are under way.

“I have reported a number of dead wild birds in the castle grounds over the past few weeks but it seems, from residents’ reports, the numbers have increased.”

The Welsh Government said they cannot confirm when the laboratory results will be back.

More information on how to report and dispose of sick birds can be found here.