BIRD flu has been confirmed as the cause of death of a number of swans on Ulverston Canal.

Ten deceased swans have been pulled from the canal after displaying strange symptoms.

During the swans' final moments, some of them had experienced nose bleeds and were spinning on their axis, said one rescuer.

After conducting autopsies on the swans bodies, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have concluded that a strain of avian flu is to blame for the deaths.

The wild birds at the canal tested positive for avian influenza H5N8, however the pathotype of the strain is yet to be confirmed.

Bird rescuer Caroline Sim, who removed the swans from the canal after their tragic deaths, said: "I received a call from Public Health England (PHE) who confirmed what was suspected - a virulent strand of bird flu was identified as the cause of death by the autopsies.

"In addition they showed concern for my welfare, which is not significant right now, and went on to say I am to remove no more deceased swans from the canal on account of the risk involved.

"Can you imagine a total of ten swans so far floating in the canal for months in the sight of their sibling and parents and the danger to the living with a rising number of decaying bodies and the trauma it would cause the public who are going to the canal to maintain their mental health?"

This is the first recent cases in wild birds in Cumbria.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) carries out year-round avian influenza surveillance of dead wild birds submitted via public reports and warden patrols.

Five cases of avian influenza in poultry or other captive birds have now been confirmed across the country in recent months. PHE said the risk to public health from the virus was very low and the Food Standards Agency advises that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat. Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: “Following a number of confirmed cases of avian influenza in England we have taken swift action to limit the spread of the disease. “It is important that bird keepers ensure they are doing all they can to maintain and strengthen biosecurity measures on their premises to prevent further outbreaks. “We ask that people continue to report findings of dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.”