600 year old bird sanctuary hit by bird flu :-((

Avian 'flu of the deadly H5N1 strain confirmed at Abbotsbury Swannery:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7182474.stm
Three Mute Swans dead from it, two more dead and still undergoing tests

More about Abbotsbury Swannery:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbotsbury_Swannery

Resin

Oh I'm SO sorry to hear that!

If they were infected by a wild bird then it is cause for concern surely. One assumes it can then cross the Atlantic at some point during migration of an infected bird. Is the incubation period long enough to allow a bird to get this far before dying ? Jane

Not really known; it might depend on the species, as some ducks seem to be close to immune to it, but might perhaps be able to act as carriers.

Birds that get sick from it wouldn't, as they would be too debilitated (even if living) to migrate - it is very strenuous work even for a fit bird to cross an ocean.

Mute Swans are known to be among the more susceptible species, though not as susceptible as domesticated chickens and turkeys. Dabbling ducks (Mallards, Teal, etc) seem to be the most resistant.

Resin