Queen’s swans ‘killed by bird flu’

An investigation has been launched into the outbreak of Avian Flu after a number of swans, thought to belong to the Queen, died in Windsor.

More than 20 swans have been confirmed dead with several more said to be ‘dying’. Seven of the dead birds are being tested to determine if Avian Flu is the cause of their deaths.

According to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), bird flu has been detected in 75 wild birds in 2018. No bird flu has been detected in poultry or kept birds.

Since the first reported outbreaks of the disease, also known as the H5N6 avian influenza, bird flu prevention zones have been declared in England and Wales.

The Queen’s official Swan Marker David Barber told The Sun: “We are deeply saddened by the loss.”