Vets have been attending reports of bird flu after 10 swans have died - with one being "eaten alive by rats."
South Essex Wildlife Hospital teams have been dealing with reports of bird flu in Hullbridge and Canvey.
It comes after 10 swans were found dead or dying in the borough's and two outbreaks of the disease in Essex.
A spokesman for Orsett based South Essex Wildlife Hospital said: "Photos have shown the dead and dying swans suffering from avian influenza at Hullbridge.
"We are powerless to help them due to the risk of transmitting the virus to our hospital and causing an outbreak in our animals.
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"We did attend an address to euthanize a dying bird taken home by a witness who couldn't bear to watch the bird suffering and being eaten alive by rats. We insisted this bird was taken for testing which sadly produced a positive result.
"There has also recently been two dead swans found in canvey in addition to at least eight in Hullbridge.
"The situation has been repeatedly reported to the authorities and we await further instruction. Please report any suspicious deaths or dying birds to DEFRA and The Animal and Plant Health Agency."
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