Rescue plan for harbour swans

THE RSPCA is planning to rescue a group of swans at Sutton Harbour in Plymouth after reports that a number had died.

A member of the public said the swans were “passing away daily”, with fears they had avian influenza, also known as bird flu.

The RSPCA visited the swans this week and took one bird that was unwell to the vet. It is not believed the bird has contracted avian influenza, but it will continue to be monitored.

An RSPCA spokesperson said there has been “a number of incidents of avian flu across the country” and while the swan receiving treatment is not suspected to have the disease at this time, the swans will be taken to a vet or wildlife centre. The concerned member of the public, who lives near to where the swans reside, said it is “such a sad loss”. She said: “Our swans on Sutton Harbour are sadly passing away daily.”

Sutton Harbour Holdings has encouraged anyone who sees an unwell swan in the area to get in touch with the RSPCA. A spokesperson said: “We have seen increasing numbers of swans in the harbour in recent years.”

> being fed at Sutton Harbour