Swan found with hole in body in Evesham

The swan was reported this morning near the rowing club area in Evesham, but it is not currently known what caused the injury.

It was reported to the Stratford Swan Rescue which is attempting to make a recovery of the dead bird.

Cyril Bennis, volunteer for Stratford Swan Rescue, said the situation has been "very frustrating" trying to coordinate the removal of the animal.

He said: " It has been very frustrating whilst I am here in Stratford-upon-Avon and I am trying to help with this situation in Evesham.

"I kept getting the run around from everybody this morning so it's still currently ongoing.

"We have had four other deceased swans reported earlier this week in the area and now a further two more have been reported this morning, including the Swan with the hole in its body.

"One was in the river for five days before it was able to be recovered. It does not fall into the jurisdiction of the RSPCA as the swans are dead and DEFRA is not able to take the swans out of the river.

"There is currently nobody focused on co-ordinating the situation in Evesham so we are looking to get down there and act as soon as possible."

Cyril Bennis, Stratford Swan Rescue.

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Mr Bennis said: "The birds will need to be tested for avian flu as we are keen to ensure we are keeping it out of our communities.

"It is difficult because nobody seems to want to step up at the moment and help with the situation."

Wychbold Swan Rescue are another operation in the area, but they are still currently struck with bird flu and are unable to operate on DEFRA's orders.

Bird flu has been a widely discussed topic lately, with free-range eggs being removed from UK supermarket shelves, as the largest-ever outbreak of bird flu affected hens and other birds across the country.

Measures were introduced in November 2021, with bird keepers legally required to house poultry indoors, such as in large barns for commercial flocks.