DOG owners are being told to keep their dogs away from two partially eaten swans found dead in Diglis amid an outbreak of bird flu.

Swan volunteers have issued the warning so people can keep their pets safe and also because local rescue centres will not accept sick or injured birds at the moment.

The two partially eaten birds are believed to have been attacked by wild animals but may have been infected with avian flu.

Last week, the UK Chief Veterinary Officer confirmed cases of avian flu at Wychbold Swan Rescue yesterday where all birds on site were to be humanely culled.

At least 15 swans who have also died from bird flu have been found by volunteers along the river in Worcester.

READ MORE: Wychbold Swan Rescue devastated after bird flu forces cull

Marilyn McCarthy, from The Swan Food Project, said: "It's probably fox or otter, which is natural predation of birds that have died of avian influenza.

"The point is to warn people the bodies are there so they can avoid them if they want to, and keep their dogs away from them.

"Also, there may be other swans on the bank there, sick or dying and owners probably wouldn't want their dogs going after them.

"Bird flu can be spread in droppings to other birds, so best to avoid walking in faeces or touching bodies."

The two partially eaten dead swans were found on the bank near the oil basin in Diglis last night (Monday).

The Swan Project posted a warning on Facebook saying: "Alert for dog owners. The river is high enough for swans to climb out just up from the oil basin at Diglis.

"Two swans died there yesterday. They were partly eaten last night.

"Please take great care walking your dog there, to avoid frightening sick or dying swans, or injuring healthy ones.

"Local rescue centres are not taking in water birds, so there will be no help for them in emergencies."

A 3km and 10km temporary control zone was originally placed around Wychbold Swan Rescue to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

The risk to public health from the virus is very low according to the UK Health Security Agency.

Food Standards Agency has also made clear that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.