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Swan Sanctuary Devastated: 29 Birds Die in Month
3 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Swan rescue owner devastated by recent loss of 29 birds.
- Avian influenza highly suspected as the cause of deaths.
- Carcasses sent for testing amid confirmed local outbreaks.
The operator of a swan sanctuary in Lincolnshire has expressed profound grief following the loss of 29 birds in the last month. The sanctuary owner, David Elston, aged 70, is almost certain that bird flu has caused the devastating fatalities.
He has submitted bird carcasses to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for official testing. Elston shared his fear of discovering more deceased swans each morning, highlighting the emotional toll of the ongoing situation.
This incident occurs as several confirmed cases of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 have been reported in Lincolnshire. Authorities are urging the public to report any sightings of dead birds through the government's online system.
