Swan death increase in Cardiff investigated

[Gert van der Hoek]

10 July 2012

Swan death increase in Cardiff investigated

Animal health officials are investigating an increase in the number of deaths of wild swans in Cardiff.

Bird flu has not been diagnosed but the cause is unknown.

The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) said it was investigating what it called "reports of increased levels of mortality amongst wild swans in the Cardiff area".

Anyone who has to handle a dead bird is advised not touch it with bare hands.

Disposable protective gloves should be worn if possible when picking up and handling them.

BBC

thanks to Crawford Killian

[Ronan Kelly]

Re: Swan death increase in Cardiff investigated

Cardiff swan death toll rises to 37
Carys Hepworth, WalesOnline Jul 12 2012

CARDIFF?S swan death toll has risen to 37 ? meaning nearly 20% of the city?s mute swan population has been wiped out by a mystery disease.

On Wednesday we revealed how 30 of the birds had been found dead in large numbers in Roath Park and Cardiff Bay.

Now, Ashley Govier, Cardiff council?s cabinet member for the environment, said 37 swans had now been found dead ? out of a population of just 200.

The cause is still unknown, but tests indicate the swans are dying of a natural waterbird disease which poses no threat to people

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