A DEAD swan has been left lying in a bag at the side of Ulverston Canal.

With the bird believed to have died from suspected avian flu on Wednesday, it has raised questions as to why it has not been removed by the relevant authorities.

One resident believes the dead swan is now posing a risk to the community.

They said: “If the swan was found dead on Wednesday then why is its body still on the side of the canal in an unsealed bag?

“Surely when we are in the middle of a pandemic supposedly caused by the spread of a virus from animal to human, and given previous issues with bird flu and the fear that caused, then is it not irresponsible for Defra or the RSPCA or whoever is responsible to have left a swan that they suspect may have died from bird flu like this?

“Surely it puts remaining bird life at risk or dogs sniffing at it or foxes etc.

“It doesn’t seem very professionally dealt with if it’s suspected bird flu, surely it poses a Potential health risk to other wildlife, dogs, humans if it is bird flu?”

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it was aware of the swan and has contacted XL Farm Care to remove the bird from the canal.

XL Farm Care in turn says it will be removed from Ulverston Canal by Tuesday at the latest and has urged residents to stay away from the bag before they take it away.

Defra also released guidelines for the public in regards to avian flu.

A spokesperson said: “ Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find. If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.”