Probe into death of lake's swans and geese

SWAN deaths at a beauty spot lake are being investigated by animal health chiefs.

- By OWEN HUGHES

Residents and visitors to Llanberis have reported seeing dead swans at Llyn Padarn, as well as dead geese.

These have been reported to the authorities in recent days as people speculate about what has caused the fatalities.

Avian flu is one concern with outbreaks being reported in Wales, England and Scotland.

Last week bird flu was confirmed in six wild birds in Northampton-shire.

Figures issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), showed four mute swans were found with the H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu, in Wellingborough. It was also detected in two Canada geese in the north of the county.

The news followed reports on social media that the bodies of more than a dozen swans had been seen on an Embankment in the town.

The Welsh Government also set up a protection zone in Denbighshire after confirming avian influenza.

Back in Llanberis, others are worried yobs could have killed the birds or that pollution in the water may be the issue.