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Avian Flu Claims Iconic Swans in Lincoln
14 Jan
Summary
- Two iconic swans and a cygnet died from avian flu in December.
- The highly infectious H5N1 strain is responsible for high mortality.
- Experts urge the public not to touch or feed wild birds.
Tragically, two well-known swans and one of their cygnets in Lincoln's Brayford Pool have died due to the H5N1 avian flu strain. These swans had been a familiar sight for nearly a decade, making their loss particularly poignant for the local community. The highly contagious nature of this virus has unfortunately led to a widespread increase in bird mortality.
Researchers from the University of Lincoln and Keele University, through the Lincoln Swan Project, are actively tracking swan behavior, with public sightings contributing to their data via an app. They emphasize that there is no effective treatment for affected birds, and moving them could accelerate the virus's spread. Consequently, experts are advising the public to maintain a safe distance from wild birds.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency has confirmed that two mute swans from the Brayford Pool area tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza in November, linking these findings to the ongoing outbreak. Authorities are urging the public to refrain from touching, feeding, or handling any wild birds to prevent further transmission of the deadly disease.
