Avian Flu Crisis in the UK: A Growing Threat to Swans and a Costly Outbreak
The UK is currently experiencing a significant avian influenza outbreak, with case numbers exceeding those of last winter, though remaining below the record levels seen in the previous year. The current strain disproportionately impacts waterfowl, particularly swans and geese.
Recent data reveals a concerning rise in swan deaths. Since October, the Animal and Plant Health Agency has confirmed H5N1 in 131 Mute Swans and 28 Whooper Swans. Reports indicate 155 Mute Swan deaths from 75 locations and 86 Whooper Swan deaths from 18 locations in the last two months alone, with double-digit fatalities occurring at the worst-hit sites. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is closely monitoring the situation, relying on volunteer reports to supplement government surveillance data.A previous BTO study indicated at least 965 Mute Swan deaths suspected to be caused by bird flu between 2021-23, raising fears of a long-term population impact - the latest national winter population index for Mute Swans is the lowest since 1996-97.
Specific locations are experiencing acute losses. In Witney, Oxfordshire, two swans at Witney Lake have died after testing positive for avian flu. Six swans have died at Tongwell Lake in Milton Keynes in the last two weeks, with volunteers anticipating further fatalities.
The economic impact of the outbreak is substantial. Freedom of Information requests reveal that avian flu outbreaks on game farms in England have cost taxpayers over £100 million since 2020, covering culling and compensation. There have been 26 outbreaks on game farms in the last five years.
Animal Aid has criticised the game shooting industry, arguing it profits from the breeding and sale of birds, even benefiting from government compensation following outbreaks. They highlight the risk of disease transmission from captive-bred game birds to wild populations, and the broader environmental harms associated with releasing millions of pheasants and partridges into the countryside.
Notably, King Charles retains the ancient right to claim all unmarked mute swans in open waters, though this right is largely ceremonial and exercised on the River Thames.
