MATHER — Wildlife officials confirmed that the swans found dead at Mather Regional Park in Sacramento County in November were infected with bird flu. This latest announcement comes after a month of people wondering what killed these swans. Since the original grouping of swans was tested, more have died.

The warm, dry fall and early winter allowed several lakes in our area to remain relatively ice-free, and that provided the highlight for this year’s Cheyenne Christmas Bird Count on

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirmed on Wednesday that two mute swans tested positive for the avian influenza at Mather Regional Park. Dozens of swans were reported dead at Mather Lake in Sacramento County back in late November.

Fife Coast and Countryside Trust said an outbreak of avian flu was detected at Birnie and Gaddon Lochs, near Cupar.

About a month after dozens of swans were found dead in Mather Regional Park, testing on the birds found that they were positive for avian flu. Since the nearly 30 birds were found dead on Dec. 3, the park has remained closed.