Avian botulism at Barnes Pond: please stop feeding the birds
4 July 2026 · By Boroughly editorial — AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
Several dead swans and ducks have been found at Barnes Pond with suspected avian botulism, and Richmond Council is urging residents to stop feeding the birds there immediately.
Avian botulism is a naturally occurring bacterial toxin that thrives in warm weather, when the conditions in shallow water bodies become particularly favourable for its growth. It spreads quickly when birds gather in large numbers — and feeding encourages exactly that kind of crowding. The council says suspending feeding is the single most effective thing the public can do right now.
Dog and cat owners should also keep their pets out of the water. While botulism is relatively rare in domestic animals, both species are potentially susceptible, and the council is treating the risk seriously.
Council teams are actively monitoring the pond, removing affected birds and working to improve local water conditions. Residents who spot sick or dead birds at Barnes Pond are asked to report them via the council.
For background on avian botulism in UK wild waterbirds, the Government's guidance is available on GOV.UK. For the council's full advisory, see the Richmond Council notice.
The situation is likely to remain active while warm weather persists, so the advice stands until further notice.