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What you need to know about the current bird flu situation

Bird flu cases are rising earlier than usual across Europe and North America. In the UK, 58 cases have been confirmed by DEFRA and APHA, affecting both wild birds and poultry.

Swans are being hit hard. More than 50 dead swans were recently found in parts of Kent, and experts warn the species could face serious decline if infections continue.

The H5N1 strain has been detected in a large number of species in the UK, including 131 Mute Swans and 28 Whooper Swans since October, according to the British Trust for Ornithology.

Early data suggests the ongoing outbreak may already be impacting national swan populations, with last winter's Mute Swan numbers at their lowest since 1996-97.

The public are urged not to feed duc

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