In pictures: Brazil's oil spill

Desperate attempts are being made in southern Brazil to contain the country's worst oil spill for 25 years. Floating barriers have been strung across the Iguacu River and its waterways, and ditches dug to stop the oil flowing downriver after an accident at a state-owned refinery.

The oil floats downstream

Workers play out inflatable barriers into the water

Birds and mammals coated in oil are washing up on the banks

The barrier is attached on both banks

Some success as the barrier holds back oil