Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk...me=yes&more_nodeId1=156139&contentPK=20465271
EXPERTS PROBE 'MYSTERY' DEATH OF SWANS
08:00 - 24 April 2008
The bodies of two swans are to be examined after they were found floating in Lincolnshire's River Witham.
The birds were discovered near Stamp End, in Lincoln, on Monday and Tuesday - close to the nest of another swan whose eggs had been stolen.
One bird was found opposite Beech House and the second approximately 50 metres away under the railway bridge.
It is not known what caused the deaths, but Defra released a statement explaining that postmortem results would be made public if they gave cause for concern.
Defra spokesman Lauren Starr said: "A large number of dead birds are reported in this way, and we are unable to provide details on individual cases.
"Of course, if any unusual results were found, Defra would respond according to our contingency plan."
The bodies of four other swans were found in the Brayford last month but wildlife experts in Lincoln are unsure what caused the deaths
Rachel Shaw, public relations officer at Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, explained that swans can become increasingly territorial during the breeding season.
She said: "They are currently in the middle of the breeding season and during this time they can become very aggressive with each other. The deaths could be a result of fighting."
Sarah Corden, supervisor at Weirfield Wildlife Hospital on Rookery Lane, Lincoln, said it was unusual for two to be found so close together.
She said: "It may be the case that it's some kind of infection.
"This doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem in Stamp End though and it's important to remember that these swans may have flown in from somewhere else."
EXPERTS PROBE 'MYSTERY' DEATH OF SWANS
08:00 - 24 April 2008
The bodies of two swans are to be examined after they were found floating in Lincolnshire's River Witham.
The birds were discovered near Stamp End, in Lincoln, on Monday and Tuesday - close to the nest of another swan whose eggs had been stolen.
One bird was found opposite Beech House and the second approximately 50 metres away under the railway bridge.
It is not known what caused the deaths, but Defra released a statement explaining that postmortem results would be made public if they gave cause for concern.
Defra spokesman Lauren Starr said: "A large number of dead birds are reported in this way, and we are unable to provide details on individual cases.
"Of course, if any unusual results were found, Defra would respond according to our contingency plan."
The bodies of four other swans were found in the Brayford last month but wildlife experts in Lincoln are unsure what caused the deaths
Rachel Shaw, public relations officer at Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, explained that swans can become increasingly territorial during the breeding season.
She said: "They are currently in the middle of the breeding season and during this time they can become very aggressive with each other. The deaths could be a result of fighting."
Sarah Corden, supervisor at Weirfield Wildlife Hospital on Rookery Lane, Lincoln, said it was unusual for two to be found so close together.
She said: "It may be the case that it's some kind of infection.
"This doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem in Stamp End though and it's important to remember that these swans may have flown in from somewhere else."