Virus kills Neyland swans

9:00am Saturday 4th October 2008

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The deaths of two young swans in Neyland Marina were caused by a highly-contagious virus affecting waterfowl.

The swans died within hours of each other last Wednesday, originally raising fears that they had been poisoned.

“People are very upset at the loss of these two, who lived at the top end of the marina with their parents and two other cygnets. "

Wildlife worker, Maria Evans

But a post mortem revealed the cygnets’ death was as a result of DVE, or Duck Viral Enteritis, which is carried by mallards or feral ducks.

Although deadly to waterfowl, it poses no threat to humans, assured wildlife worker Maria Evans.

“It is not a notifiable disease, and humans are not affected by it,” she explained.

“However, it is very bad news for ducks and swans, because there is no treatment, no cure and its onset is extremely quick, with literally every organ in the body suffering a haemorrhage.

“People are very upset at the loss of these two, who lived at the top end of the marina with their parents and two other cygnets.

“The parents have been there for 12 years and are the only pair to breed there. Everybody loves them, and they are possibly the best-fed swans in Pembrokeshire.”

Maria, of Tinkers Hill swan and bird of prey rescue centre at Amroth, notified the Haven master and Pembrokeshire County Council’s animal health department of the deaths, and is asking members of the public to keep a look out for any more birds who may be affected by the virus, as bodies will need to be incinerated.

“This may be just an isolated incident, but if the source which infected these cygnets goes elsewhere in Pembrokeshire, we may have more cases on our hands,” Maria said.

Anyone who comes across a bird that they think may have contracted the virus, should call Maria Evans on 07074 059745.