30 Dead Swans Discovered in London's River Thames Amid Suspected Avian Flu Outbreak
Health officials have reported the discovery of 30 dead swans in the River Thames over the course of a single week, raising significant concerns about a potential new bird flu outbreak in the United Kingdom. The incidents were concentrated around the inner and outer Millwall Docklands near Canary Wharf in east London, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Investigation and Public Health Warnings
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has recovered the bodies and is currently conducting tests to determine the exact cause of death. Ben Macmillan, an ecologist with the Canal & River Trust, confirmed to Sky News that a specialist contractor collected all 30 dead birds, which were exclusively swans, from waterways in and around West India and Millwall Dock.
While there is no immediate risk to the general public, Macmillan emphasized the importance of limiting the potential spread of what he described as a suspected avian flu outbreak. He urged members of the public to avoid touching any dead birds they encounter and to report such findings directly to DEFRA. This precaution aligns with guidelines from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), which is investigating the deaths as part of its dead wild bird surveillance scheme.
Understanding Avian Flu and Its Implications
Avian flu, as defined by the NHS, is an infection that primarily affects birds but can occasionally spread to humans through close contact, with potential fatal outcomes. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds notes that while many strains of avian flu cause no symptoms in birds, outbreaks can be severe. For instance, a 2021 outbreak led to the culling of thousands of farming birds across the UK.
In response to the current situation, an APHA spokesperson reiterated the safety measures: 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.
Broader Context and Environmental Concerns
This incident highlights ongoing environmental and public health challenges in urban areas like London, where wildlife and human populations intersect. The discovery of dead swans in the Thames not only raises alarms about avian flu but also underscores the need for vigilant monitoring of waterway health and biodiversity. Authorities continue to assess the situation, with further updates expected as test results become available.
