Dozens of Queen’s wild swans die from bird flu as more fall ill

The number of the Queen’s swans from her Windsor flock feared to have died from bird flu has risen to more than 20.

The monarch, who technically owns all unmarked mute swans in open water in Britain, is being kept informed. David Barber, the Queen’s Swan Marker, said 20 more of the wild flock, which averages around 200 birds, were seriously ill and also expected to die.

Scientists from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are investigating the suspected case of H5N6 avian influenza, The Sun revealed. Mr Barber said results from the tests on the dead birds from the Windsor flock along the River Thames were expected to confirm bird flu.

“Over 20 swans have died now and there’s a lot that are seriously ill which will die – well over 20 more,” Mr Barber added. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of these swans.”

He added: “We’re waiting to hear from Defra but, yes, it is bird flu. I’m sure the Queen would be concerned.

“You cannot do anything about it. It will burn itself out. They’re wild birds and it is spread by wild birds, and we’ve been very unlucky.”

Defra confirmed that seven of the dead swans were being tested for bird flu. An annual stock-take of swans on the River Thames, known as Swan Upping, is carried out each summer.