Bird Flu Causes Swans' Deaths in East London
Dozens of swans in east London have died following an outbreak of bird flu, confirmed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
At least 30 swans were recovered on Monday, with an additional 21 found on Wednesday at West India and Millwall Docks, according to the charity E1 Waterbird Welfare.
The Swan Sanctuary rescue charity has described the current strain affecting London's Docklands as "very lethal and infectious," noting it appears to be particularly impacting young cygnets born earlier this spring.
Confirmation of H5N1 Avian Influenza
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), through its dead wild bird surveillance scheme, confirmed that the deaths were caused by the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza.
"Members of the public are advised to not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that they find and should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water if they touch wild bird faeces or feathers or after feeding wild birds."
— APHA spokesperson
About Avian Flu
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) states that avian flu is a virus affecting both poultry and wild birds. There are multiple strains, most of which cause little or no illness in wild birds.
However, highly pathogenic avian influenza can result in severe disease and high mortality rates among affected birds.
Additional Information
Listeners can access the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk.
