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Source: http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/Three-dead-swans-found-at.5228969.jp
Three dead swans found at nature reserve - COMMENT ON THIS STORY
Published Date: 02 May 2009
By Will Ockendon
Three swans have been found dead at a nature reserve in Northamptonshire.
The bodies of the swans were all found near to a footpath in Summer Leys nature reserve, near Wellingborough. The latest was found on Thursday, while the others were discovered on separate occasions two weeks ago and eight weeks ago.
A Department for Rural Affairs spokesman said such a small number of deaths did not warrant an investigation, but said members of the public should be on the lookout for "mass mortality events", where 10 or more dead birds were found.
Penny Haynes, 51, of the Pyghtles, Wollaston, discovered the birds while walking her two dogs. She contacted Wellingborough Council, the RSPCA and Defra.
She said: "Having seen the third one dead, it just doesn't seem right to me. It was only a young adult because it had still got some black feathers on its back."
Andy Meads, from Isham-based bird rescue charity Safewings, said the deaths could have been down to a number of causes, but ruled out bird flu.
He said: "Bird flu is now not really an issue. But there are other diseases that are also dangerous and more easily caught by humans than bird flu."
He said the carcasses should have been collected for testing as a precaution.
Three dead swans found at nature reserve - COMMENT ON THIS STORY
Published Date: 02 May 2009
By Will Ockendon
Three swans have been found dead at a nature reserve in Northamptonshire.
The bodies of the swans were all found near to a footpath in Summer Leys nature reserve, near Wellingborough. The latest was found on Thursday, while the others were discovered on separate occasions two weeks ago and eight weeks ago.
A Department for Rural Affairs spokesman said such a small number of deaths did not warrant an investigation, but said members of the public should be on the lookout for "mass mortality events", where 10 or more dead birds were found.
Penny Haynes, 51, of the Pyghtles, Wollaston, discovered the birds while walking her two dogs. She contacted Wellingborough Council, the RSPCA and Defra.
She said: "Having seen the third one dead, it just doesn't seem right to me. It was only a young adult because it had still got some black feathers on its back."
Andy Meads, from Isham-based bird rescue charity Safewings, said the deaths could have been down to a number of causes, but ruled out bird flu.
He said: "Bird flu is now not really an issue. But there are other diseases that are also dangerous and more easily caught by humans than bird flu."
He said the carcasses should have been collected for testing as a precaution.