Death of dozens of swans in Docklands was due to bird flu

"There was a previous wave of bird flu a couple of years ago. We don't know to what extent that affected Docklands here but it certainly wasn't as intense. The current strain is very lethal and infectious and it seems to be particularly affecting the young Cygnus that were born earlier on this spring."

"Members of the public are advised to not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that they find and should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water if they touch wild bird faeces or feathers or after feeding wild birds."

"Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which can cause severe disease and high mortality rates. Bird flu mostly spreads from direct or indirect contact between birds, but it can also spread through contaminated poultry and contaminated objects. Human infections are rare and the risk to the public is low."

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has caused the deaths of dozens of swans in east London, with 21 additional birds recovered on Wednesday by E1 Waterbird Welfare. The current strain is significantly more lethal and infectious than a previous outbreak from two years ago, particularly affecting young swans born in spring. The virus spreads through direct or indirect contact between birds and contaminated objects. Authorities advise the public to avoid touching dead or sick birds and to wash hands thoroughly after contact with wild bird faeces, feathers, or after feeding birds. Human infections remain rare and the public risk is low.

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