Over 20 swans of British Queen 'killed by bird flu'

Image
Press Trust of India London
Last Updated : Feb 05 2018 | 6:55 PM IST
Over 20 swans from the Queen's flock have died and several more are "dying at the moment" amid fears they have been infected by bird flu, according to a British media report today.
Seven of the dead birds have been sent for testing to establish whether avian flu is responsible, the BBC reported.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed it is investigating a suspected finding of avian influenza in wild mute swans in Berkshire.
David Barber, the Queen's Swan Marker, said "quite a percentage" of the flock had died.
He added: "Bird flu has been going round the country... and unfortunately it's hit Windsor."
Barber, who is responsible for the centuries old tradition of carrying out the annual swan census, said staff were monitoring the situation and trying to stop the spread.
"There are many swans that have died in the flock at Windsor which is extremely disappointing.
"I know there is well over 20 that have gone, and probably 20 still dying at the moment. It's quite a percentage," Barber said.
This outbreak comes days after a bird flu prevention zone was established across England to "help prevent the virus spreading."
Meanwhile, 13 wild birds were found dead in Warwickshire and they were confirmed to have the disease.
It follows the discovery of the strain in wild birds in Dorset, where a total of 31 infected birds were identified.
The Food Standards Agency said bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.
Avian influenza refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Feb 05 2018 | 6:55 PM IST

Next Story