EGG-NEWS has previously reported on mortality in swans that appear to be exceptionally susceptible to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.  Last year, extensive mortality occurred in Holland and the U.K. associated with the H5N1 strain. A recent report confirms that a third of the royal flock of 200 birds located on a three-mile stretch of river surrounding Windsor Castle, have died.  In 2018, 70 swans were lost in a month following exposure to an H7 strain.

Visitors have been warned to stay away from the birds and not to feed them. It is apparent that the response to HPAI among the caretakers of the flock, is limited to retrieving dead birds. This is an obvious case, where faced with the reality of increasing mortality, that an available commercial avian influenza vaccine should be administered to as many swans as possible through the entire U.K.

In February 2022, the Swan Warden, Professor Christopher Perrins, noted, “There is nothing you can do, as taking in sick birds nearly endangers all the others.”  This is a somewhat negative response since vaccination, even belatedly introduced, might provide a measure of protection.  It is also suggested that vaccination should be extended toinclude  rare species under confinement in zoos and exhibits under an emergency-use license.