Swans tested for bird flu
BIRDS AT STAFFORDSHIRE SITE FOUND DEAD AND OTHERS DISPLAYING SYMPTOMS
TESTS are being carried out on two swans found dead at a popular Staffordshire reservoir as people who keep birds are being warned to be on the guard over avian flu.
The cygnets were found at Chasewater in Cannock, with volunteers from South Derbyshire-based Linjoy Wildlife Sanctuary and Rescue called out by two people who spotted the sick swans at the venue.
Lindsay Newell, from the sanctuary, said: “We were alerted to two sick cygnets at Chasewater by two locals. Unfortunately on seeing photos we advised them to call DEFRA immediately and alert the park ranger. One local spent the morning bagging the bodies wearing full PPE under DEFRA instructions.”
There have been no confirmed cases if Avian flu [bird flu] in Staffordshire. People visiting Chasewater are being advised not feed the birds, keep their dogs on leads and stick to the paths, while tests are carried out establish how the swans died.
However, Ms Newhall claimed another two swans were also found dead and three potentially showed “the clinical signs, including one spinning on the spot in the water”, she said.
She added: “This is absolutely heart-breaking for not only those who have been feeding them and watching them grow up, but for ourselves who regularly look after the poorly and injured birds on this lake.
She said: “The park ranger and RSPCA attended and the sick birds were euthanised and collected by DEFRA.
“The virus is spread in the birds’ faeces and body fluids. If you see a sick or dead bird, call DEFRA on 03459 33 55 77. Do not touch the bird. You can call us for advice but we cannot take in sick water birds from this lake as we have hundreds
of birds on site here and they will be at risk of being culled.
“I am personally absolutely devastated this is happening and hope it’s over as soon as possible with minimal casualties.”
Victoria Wilson, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities and culture, said: “We are aware that some wild birds at Chasewater have been found dead, but the cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
“We are working with the relevant authorities to analyse the carcasses and until we know more, as a precaution we would recommend that people do not feed any birds, keep dogs on leads near the water and stay to the paths.
“People should not touch or try to rescue sick birds. Sick or dead birds should be reported to the DEFRA helpline on 03459 335577 and select option 7.”
The latest Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) was introduced covering the UK on November 3 to help prevent the disease spreading among poultry and captive birds.
Officers from Staffordshire County Council’s trading standards animal health team are now advising all bird keepers in the county to remain vigilant for signs of ill health in their birds. The guidance applies to anyone keeping birds, whether it is a few hens in a back garden, rearing game birds or a large commercial farm.
While at present there is no legal requirement to house birds, the introduction of the AIPZ means that all bird keepers must follow strict bio-security rules. This includes ensuring wild birds cannot have access to any bedding, feed or water intended for use for kept poultry or birds. In addition to this, steps must be taken to reduce the movements of people into or out of the areas where birds are kept.
Ms Wilson said: “As and the migration of birds, good biosecurity is an essential defence against disease and is key to limiting the spread of avian influenza. Whether an outbreak occurs in pet birds, a backyard flock or a commercial flock, the same disease control measures apply and the same impacts on bird keepers and trade in poultry occurs.
Bird flu, or avian flu, is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. In rare cases, it can affect humans. There are lots of different strains of bird flu virus. Most of them do not infect humans.