An investigation is underway at Shaftesbury Lake in Swindon as concerns grow over a possible outbreak of bird flu.
Officers from DEFRA are due to take samples and visitors have been warned to keep away from the lake and the birds.
A number of dead birds have been found around and in the lake.
Two dead swans were floating in the water this afternoon and another is visibly ill.
RSPB officers have removed an unwell canada goose from the lake today.
The ranger team have attached signs to the Shaftesbury Lake noticeboards warning people to stay clear.
The signs read: "There is a possible outbreak of avian flu at Shaftesbury Lake.
"Please keep away from the lake and water birds, including feathers and faeces.
"Avian Flu can spread to humans and pets too.
"DEFRA has been contacted and will take samples within 48 hours for testing.
"Updates will be posted as and when."
A DEFRA spokesman said: “We are aware of a number of wild birds deaths in the Shaftsbury Lake are near Swindon, Wiltshire and are investigating these deaths as part of our avian influenza wild bird surveillance programme.”
Avian influenza is often fatal in birds and spreads from bird to bird by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces.
People should not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds.
The UK Health Security Agency says that the risk to public health from the virus is very low while the Food Standards Agency believes avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.
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