Black swan in isolation is 'making a good recovery' after bird flu deaths of cygnets and an adult swan
One of the famous black swans in Dawlish is now being kept in isolation - where it's said to be doing well - as a result of a deadly strain of bird flu.
Last updated 13th Nov 2020
In the past week the strain of avian flu has killed an adult black swan in the town and five cygnets.
Tests are being carried out on two other swans which have also died.
This week the Government ordered an 'Avian Influenza Prevention Zone' across England, Scotland and Wales following reports of other birds being affected across the UK.
It means 'it is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures'.
The change states: "Keepers with more than 500 birds will need to restrict access for non-essential people on their sites, workers will need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and site vehicles will need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly."
Dawlish town clerk Andrew McKenzie said: "We lost a couple of cygnets in the middle of last week which we simply put down to the cold weather and then over the weekend we steadily lost more.
"We then lost an adult sawn and it was then we reported to the releveant authorities who undertook testing.
"On Monday it was confirmed that it was an actual strain of bird flu.
"I think it's just such sad news that we've lost cute cygnets. The fact that Dawlish is famous for its swans and people are hoping that we can come back from it and we can replenish our stocks.
"Also that it doesn't spread to the aviary where we've got upwards of 40 different types of birds in there. Touch wood everything's looking good with that.
"People are just desperately sad and hope it can come to a conclusion soon.
"The male swan, or the father of the cygnets, is currently in isolation in the waterfowl compound. He's actually making a good recovery.
"At the moment he has to remain in there, obviously a restriction of movement is in place so he's in there on his own.
"The others are on the brook, in the wild as it were and there's not much we can do at the moment - it'as just a wait and see game.
People are being told the town remains 'open for business as usual' but residents and visitors should not approach any dead or ill birds and instead report it to Defra or Teignbridge District Council.
For more about the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone click here