VOLUNTEERS have warned the public not to feed swans in Worcester picnic leftovers following the death of a cygnet.
The cygnet died from suspected botulism, a bacterium that flourishes in decaying vegetation when there is a protein source in hot weather.
As a result, volunteers at The Swan Food Project have advised the public to only feed swans vegetarian food.
Taking to Facebook, volunteers at The Swan Food Project said: “Keep the vegetarian food only rule.
“No mealworms, no leftover meat sarnies or chicken drumsticks etc etc, no dumping of picnic leftovers – they escalate the natural development of clostridium botulinum bacteria that flourish in decaying vegetation in hot weather when there is a protein source.
“The toxins can rapidly make swans sick.
“If widespread, a number of swans can fall ill; if in isolated pockets it might just be the poor individual that chose to dabble in that contaminated spot.
“This cygnet, that quickly became very ill and died soon after rescue, may have had botulism.
“Please share this advice to help reduce the risk of outbreaks. Thank you.”
