Swan rescuers in Milton Keynes are urgently appealing for donations of PPE and financial support as they battle a suspected bird flu outbreak that has already claimed six swans at Tongwell Lake. Volunteers fear the situation could deteriorate further in the coming days.
Avian flu is a highly infectious virus that can be fatal to birds if transmitted directly or indirectly. MK Swan Rescue, a not-for-profit organisation, has already spent £1,000 on protective equipment dealing with the current outbreak. Volunteers have been donning masks and rubber gloves while removing dead swans, sometimes using kayaks to reach them. Disinfectant spray is being used on shoes, hands, and equipment to prevent the virus from spreading.
Four of the deceased swans have been sent to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for testing. While it is up to DEFRA to confirm the cause of death, the director of MK Swan Rescue, Allie Humphries, said she has “no doubt” avian flu is responsible.
“Currently we’ve had six fatalities at this lake, while there are many that are still not looking too good,” Ms Humphries said. She explained that migratory birds appear to be introducing the virus inland, putting domestic flocks at risk. “It’s heartbreaking. The majority of the birds that we’re seeing affected are young adults, yearlings that we’ve known since they hatched the cygnets. So we’ve got a very, very close bond with them. It’s soul destroying.”
The rescue group is urging members of the public to report any sick or dead birds to the council or MK Swan Rescue. People are also advised to keep dogs on leads, avoid disturbing the swans, and remain on paths. Ms Humphries warned: “Be mindful of your footwear because if you’re picking up the droppings from the swans and you are then walking, you are potentially spreading the infection. So ideally, stay on the path. Disinfect your feet when possible, especially if you’re going home where you’ve got any sort of birds that you keep as pets because they’re at risk too. This is not just affecting the waterfowl.”
For the volunteers, the outbreak is emotionally taxing. Colin Bennett, a volunteer, said: “I thought it’d be great to volunteer to help them, because swans are such graceful creatures, beautiful on the water. But sadly, all I’ve been doing the last few days is, is body recovery, which isn’t the nicest part, but it’s necessary. They’re so graceful, magnificent creatures. And to see them at this particular time with this bird flu that’s coming across, it’s just awful.”
MK Swan Rescue has highlighted the symptoms of bird flu, noting that infected swans may appear withdrawn, uninterested in food, or swim in small circles shortly before death. To continue their work safely, the CIC organisation has a wishlist on its website detailing the PPE and supplies needed to care for swans while disinfecting affected areas.
The charity hopes public support can help prevent the outbreak from worsening and protect the swans they have nurtured for years.
