Ireland: investigation under way after 32 swans found dead

[Gert van der Hoek]

Investigation under way after 32 swans found dead

Thursday, 09 May 2013

Investigations are under way in Donegal after 32 swans were found dead.

The dead swans were recovered from New Lake in Dunfanaghy over the weekend by conservation rangers.

It is understood some of the birds had been dead for some time.
An ill swan recovered from the lake was brought to a vet but had to be put down.

Water samples have been taken from the lake and the dead swans have been sent to a Department of Agriculture facility in Sligo for further testing to determine the cause of death.

Poisoning, water pollution and a form of avian flu have not been ruled out.
New Lake is a nesting site for dozens of swans, ducks and other wildfowl, drawing bird watchers and tourists alike.

The public is advised to contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service if they come across ill or dead swans.

RTE News


kootation.com

[Catbird]

Ireland: Swans found dead at lake in County Donegal

"32 swans found dead at County Donegal lake

9 May 2013

...They were discovered by conservation rangers at New Lake in Dunfanaghy over the weekend.

...The Republic's state broadcaster, RTE, said it understood that some of the swans had been dead for some time.

It added that one swan was recovered alive from the lake and was brought to a vet but had to be put down.

A spokesman for the Irish Department of Agriculture said samples of the carcasses were sent to its veterinary testing facility in County Sligo earlier this week but the results of the tests would not be known for about 10 days...".

xhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22472677

[Catbird]

Re: Ireland: Swans found dead at lake in County Donegal

"Possible bird flu link to swan deaths
Friday, 10 May 2013

Veterinary scientists in the Republic are examining the possibility that bird flu may have killed over 30 swans at a Co Donegal lake.

...In recent days 33 swans have been recovered from the waters of the lake. It's thought they may have died over a four week period.

...A number of sick swans have also been rescued by the park service.

It's also emerged that tests are being carried out at another lake following the discovery of more dead animals.

Poisoning or water pollution is being considered as a cause of the deaths.

However, bird flu hasn't been ruled out much to the concern of residents living along the shoreline.

Because of those concerns around what has caused the deaths, the public are being warned that if they find a dead swan not to lift it or touch it."

xhttp://www.u.tv/News/Possible-bird-flu-link-to-swan-deaths/6694dcbb-5344-4b4a-8b5f-9be3391f2d7a