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Queen's Windsor swans 'killed by bird flu' | Queen's Windsor swans 'killed by bird flu' |
(about 1 hour later) | |
More than 20 swans from the Queen's flock have died and several more are "dying at the moment" amid fears they have been infected by bird flu. | More than 20 swans from the Queen's flock have died and several more are "dying at the moment" amid fears they have been infected by bird flu. |
Seven of the dead birds have been sent for testing to establish whether avian flu is responsible. | Seven of the dead birds have been sent for testing to establish whether avian flu is responsible. |
Defra confirmed they are "investigating a suspected finding of avian influenza in wild mute swans in Berkshire". | |
David Barber, the Queen's Swan Marker, said "quite a percentage" of the flock had died. | David Barber, the Queen's Swan Marker, said "quite a percentage" of the flock had died. |
He added: "Bird flu has been going round the country... and unfortunately it's hit Windsor." | He added: "Bird flu has been going round the country... and unfortunately it's hit Windsor." |
Mr Barber, who is responsible for the centuries old tradition of carrying out the annual swan census, said staff were monitoring the situation and trying to stop the spread. | Mr Barber, who is responsible for the centuries old tradition of carrying out the annual swan census, said staff were monitoring the situation and trying to stop the spread. |
He added: "There are many swans that have died in the flock at Windsor which is extremely disappointing. | He added: "There are many swans that have died in the flock at Windsor which is extremely disappointing. |
"I know there is well over 20 that have gone, and probably 20 still dying at the moment. It's quite a percentage." | "I know there is well over 20 that have gone, and probably 20 still dying at the moment. It's quite a percentage." |
This outbreak comes days after a bird flu prevention zone was established across England to "help prevent the virus spreading" | |
Thirteen wild birds were found dead in Warwickshire and they were confirmed to have the disease. | |
It follows the discovery of the strain in wild birds in Dorset, where a total of 31 infected birds were identified. | |
The Food Standards Agency said bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers. |