Chief vet Professor Christine Middlemiss: ‘We will continue to monitor the situation closely’ [© gov.uk defra (OGL)]

SEVERAL birds have been found dead in The Regent’s Park amid warnings of a new wave of “avian flu”.

The Royal Parks said “a number of birds” had been removed from the boating lake near the Inner Circle.

The carcasses have been sent away for testing at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, an agency of DEFRA, the department for environment, food, and rural affairs.

This week a swan called Prince was found dead in Hampstead Heath on Tuesday, although its cause of death has not yet been established.

It comes in the week the government warned of a heightened risk of avian influenza with bird-keepers being urged to tighten biosecurity measures.

The warnings are being directed particularly at coastal areas, but there are concerns that the disease – that does not affect humans – may be winging its way inland.

The United Kingdom’s chief veterinary officer, Professor Christine Middlemiss, said: “We are seeing increasing outbreaks of avian influenza.

“Strong biosecurity remains our best defence, and we urge all keepers to take immediate steps to strengthen their measures. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

In late 2022 more than 30 birds died in Hyde Park and Kensington Palace in a two-week period.

On the latest deaths, a Royal Parks spokesperson said: “A number of dead birds were found and have been safely removed from The Regent’s Park boating lake.

“At this stage, the cause of death is unknown; testing is under way, and we are awaiting the results from the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

“Our wildlife officers are conducting increased monitoring of the park’s water bodies to check for any signs of illness.”