A lethargic swan on a canal in Berkshire suffered from a deadly disease, botulism, and unfortunately passed away despite rescue efforts.

As a bottom feeder affected by recent weather conditions, the bird was discovered by Swan Support, a local wildlife rescue charity, struggling to keep its head up and breathe.

The rescuer noticed the swan's distress on arrival, indicating botulism, a paralysing toxin.

Rainfall had stirred rotting vegetation, while the heat formed an ideal environment for the toxin, causing the swan to appear flat and gasp for air.

Regrettably, there's no direct cure for botulism.

The charity offered the swan fluids and vitamins to flush out the toxin, though such measures aren't always successful.

Despite Swan Support's diligent care, the bird died the following day.

The charity voiced their frustrations at the protracted response to recently reported incidents.

They said: "We continue to report these incidents and meet with the police however change isn’t coming quick enough!

"We honestly don’t know what more we can do other than give the swans everything we can to ensure they receive treatment and recover from these awful attacks!

"It really hurts that more won’t be done to lean into wildlife crime!"