Migrating Mute Swans Unlikely To Bring Bird Flu To UK

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Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Also Included In: Flu / Cold / SARS
Article Date: 16 Feb 2006 - 14:00 PDT

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According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), mute swans in the UK are not migratory, they stay in the UK all year round. The dead swans (infected with bird flu) found in Germany, Austria and possibly Denmark were mute swans.

The Society believes these swans flew further west than they normally would because of the severe winter weather in some parts of Europe. It added that there is a possibility that further severe weather could cause some birds to carry on flying westwards - and perhaps, but most unlikely, to British shores.

Many geese and ducks from colder parts of Europe spend their winters in the UK and move northwards when spring arrives. This movement of birds out of the UK has zero risk of bird flu entering the country - bird flu does not exist in the UK, and the ducks and geeses will be flying out.

The RSPB says it is difficult to quantify the medium term risk of bird flu entering the UK. It says the greatest risk for the UK is when ducks and geese come back in the Autumn from northern Europe.

The RSPB added that even if wild birds carried the virus to the UK, the risk to human health is extremely low. It is important to avoid contact with dead birds and keep away from areas with droppings (bird excrement).

The RSPB has stepped up vigilance on its reserves and says it will report any unusual deaths to government authorities.

Any dead swan should be reported to Defra, tel: 08459 33 55 77 (DARD helpline (Northern Ireland) on 02890 525618). ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS
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