Title: Lincolnshire Swan Sanctuary Owner ‘Devastated’ by Bird Flu Outbreak
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Devastation has overcome the owner of a swan rescue centre near Boston, Lincolnshire, following the recent deaths of 29 swans believed to be due to bird flu. David Elston, 70, who runs the sanctuary, suspects that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 is behind the deaths. He has forwarded the corpses for testing to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). He expressed his apprehension about finding more deceased birds each day. A number of confirmed bird flu cases have emerged in Lincolnshire, encouraging authorities to ask the public to report any dead birds they come across through the government’s online system.
Mr Elston took note of the deaths starting from 1 November and has since then buried 25 swans to contain the spread of the infection. The sanctuary, which is home to around 90 swans that includes both rescue swans and wild visitors, is increasingly getting appeals for help. But, due to the risk of further spread, Mr Elston is unable to welcome more birds to the sanctuary.
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) underscores the wider impact of bird flu on swans. Its head of surveys, Dawn Balmer, confirmed that swans are being affected disproportionally. Recorded data by the BTO since 1 October demonstrated an uptick in swan mortalities. Gathering this data is essential to comprehend the effects of the disease.
Updates on bird flu cases among wild birds are being published weekly by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, which is part of Defra, aiding in tracking the geographical spread and impact on different bird species.
This article was adapted from the original reporting by www.bbc.com, which was provided by The Lincoln Post.
