Treyfish
Moderator
08 June 2011
More than 180 of Britain's Queen Elizabeth's swans have died on the River Thames due to an increase in the duck virus enteritis.
Around 180 of Britain's Queen Elizabeth's swans have died due to an increase in duck virus enteritis.
The mute swan population of the River Thames in South East England have suffered as a result, and David Barber, the queen's swan marker, believes fewer cygnets will be born as a result. He said: "Unfortunately more than 180 swans were found either dying or dead on the river between Reading and Windsor, with over 115 deaths being reported in the Windsor area alone.
"The dead swans included many of the Thames' new breeding pairs and we anticipate that fewer cygnets will be born this year as a result of the outbreak."
The harsh winter in the UK and a rise in the number shot by yobs has also contributed to the increase in deaths.
He added: "Vandalism is one of the primary causes of fatalities among mute swans and young cygnets. "The number of attacks has continued to increase over the past year. Shootings by youths with air rifles and catapults cause horrific injuries and slow deaths." :tiphat:http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/royal_family/royal-54633.html
More than 180 of Britain's Queen Elizabeth's swans have died on the River Thames due to an increase in the duck virus enteritis.
Around 180 of Britain's Queen Elizabeth's swans have died due to an increase in duck virus enteritis.
The mute swan population of the River Thames in South East England have suffered as a result, and David Barber, the queen's swan marker, believes fewer cygnets will be born as a result. He said: "Unfortunately more than 180 swans were found either dying or dead on the river between Reading and Windsor, with over 115 deaths being reported in the Windsor area alone.
"The dead swans included many of the Thames' new breeding pairs and we anticipate that fewer cygnets will be born this year as a result of the outbreak."
The harsh winter in the UK and a rise in the number shot by yobs has also contributed to the increase in deaths.
He added: "Vandalism is one of the primary causes of fatalities among mute swans and young cygnets. "The number of attacks has continued to increase over the past year. Shootings by youths with air rifles and catapults cause horrific injuries and slow deaths." :tiphat:http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/royal_family/royal-54633.html