Swans found dead in London canal; Defra investigates

In late September 2024, more than 25 swans were found dead along the Grand Union Canal in Southall, London, raising concerns among conservation groups. The charity Swan Support began retrieving the deceased birds and reported that the situation has worsened since the initial discoveries. In addition to swans, 15 geese, three ducks, two coots, and a moorhen have also been found dead. Testing on the first group of swans showed negative results for avian influenza, leading to speculation about potential poisoning or pollution causing these deaths. Swan Support and the Friends of Grand Union Canal community group have called for an investigation, which has been initiated by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) as part of its wild bird surveillance program. Community members started reporting dead swans as early as September 24, shortly after heavy rainfall in the area, which may have contributed to the problem. The Canal and River Trust expressed concerns about the impact of the wild bird deaths on local wildlife, as they play a vital role in the canal ecosystem. Defra encourages the public not to handle any dead or sick birds and to report such findings directly to their helpline. The situation continues to evolve as conservationists and government agencies work to ascertain the cause of these deaths and protect other wildlife. As the investigation unfolds, Swan Support is burdened with the grave task of recovering the bodies without adequate financial resources for proper disposal. This incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive action to ensure the safety of the remaining birds and the health of the canal's ecosystem.