26 swans from the Queen’s own flock were culled by vets on the Thames at Windsor to stop the spread of bird flu.
There are at least six birds believed to have succumbed to avian flu amid concerns that the virus could spread. Another bird was also ‘found dead yesterday’, bringing the total to 33.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs called the Swan Lifeline rescue center to help cull the swans.
All mute Swans, the UK’s most widespread species, are owned by the Crown. They can be found in open water across Britain.
The Thames at Windsor vets culled 26 Swans taken from the Queen’s own flock to prevent the spread of bird flu.
Six birds died of avian flu amid concerns that the virus could spread. Another was found dead on Monday morning.
David Barber (Queen’s Swan Marker) reportedly informed The Sun Online that the monarch is’saddened. He asked for a full update on any new information.
Each summer, a traditional stock-take is done of all swans in the River Thames.
This ceremony, also called Swan Upping is a celebration of the Swan’s ownership. The Crown claimed all unmarked muted swans found in Britain open to water to guarantee a constant supply of food and drink for its citizens in the 12th Century.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs called Swan Lifeline rescue vets to cull the Swans.
The Queen is restricted to certain sections of River Thames or its tributaries today.
It is split between the Worshipful Company of Vintners (Worshipful Company of Dyers) and the Worshipful Company of Vintners (Worshipful Company of Dyers), who received ownership rights from the Crown in the fifteenth century.
Swan Upping is now an annual health inspection in which swans or cygnets can be weighed and ringed to check for any signs of injury.
Due to the Covid pandemic, however, count has been hampered by restrictions. There are approximately 150-200 swans living in the 3-km ‘killing area’.
This news comes after it emerged earlier this month that at least two of the Queens’ swans have died from bird flu at Windsor, two days after an outbreak of the virus was confirmed in nearby Eton and Maidenhead — where Boris John and Princes William and Harry were pupils at exclusive Eton College.
Swan Support is a rescue organization for sick or injured swans in the Thames Valley. Swan Support said that two birds, a cygnet and a young bird, were killed by the disease found within the flock.
There is also the possibility that other swans might have drowned along the river. However, their bodies are not yet recovered.
Swan Support reported that while regular health checks were conducted on Windsor flocks during the past six weeks, there had not been any signs of the disease. However, a large number of affected swans have now begun to show symptoms.
According to the centre, it is likely that the virus was spread from an outbreak in a recent outbreak. This could refer to the Eton or Maidenhead outbreaks.
Swan Support reported that two of the Windsor flock’s swans died from Avian Flu. They were a cygnet, and a yearling. They died of Avian Flu. We can’t pinpoint the cause, but it seems likely that the virus has spread to the Windsor flock from an earlier local epidemic. The birds had been monitored for six weeks and there was no evidence of it.
“We now monitor the flock several times per day and are particularly concerned about a few swans who are showing symptoms.
“We keep in constant contact with the Royal Swan Marker, and we inform him of any developments.
“We’re working hard to reduce the virus’s impact and prevent its spread. The rescuers are available 24 hours a days and will respond immediately if a dead bird is reported.
Swan Support asked Berkshire residents to be on the lookout for any birds that are seen moving in circles or unable to stand up.
“We now have a Windsor-based designated rescuer. He has been working in the Reading area for over a month to deal with this outbreak. Each is restricted to his or her own area to avoid cross contamination.
“It’s hard work, but it is worth it. We are determined and dedicated.
“We need your support to stop this epidemic and prevent the terrible consequences that this virus could have,” said Dot.
Please be especially attentive to birds that are swimming around in circles or cannot hold their heads up. Following the recommended protocols, we will monitor and then retrieve the bird. The facility is protected from the spread of this disease by having systems in place.