Swans decimated by bird flu on the Thames as horror virus continues to spread

28 July 2023 , 08:53

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Cygnets are held in place during the annual Swan Upping on the River Thames (Image: NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

The baby swan population on the Thames appears to be drastically falling thanks to bird flu.

The number of cygnets had dropped by 40%, according to a royal census, with just 94 counted in five days - compared to the 155 in last year's audit.

It comes as 292 cases of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza have been recorded in the UK since October 2021.

'Swan upping' takes place in the third week of July and dates back to the 12th century when the monarch would claim any mute birds to eat at feasts.

King Charles' swan marker, David Barber, said the dip in figures was not a surprise but "terrible to see". However, he said the number of infections has also declined.

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The annual Swan Upping is a five-day census in which swans and young cygnets belonging to the King are counted and checked for signs of disease or injury (NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

And while he had feared the fall would be up to half, it is the worst in his 31 years in the job - and the lowest number in seven years, he told the Times. Mr Barber said it is not just flu that is killing the infant swans - with concerns over dogs off leads and vandalism, including the destruction of eggs and nests.

As well as the annual count, the swan marker is also tasked with offering advice on the birds' welfare, including talking to schoolchildren. The count takes place between Sunbury lock in Middlesex and Abingdon bridge in Oxfordshire, with six rowing skiffs deployed.

The swans are marked, weighed and measured, with this year's cygnets found to be in "good condition". Avian influenza has increased the pressure on Britain's seabird populations and poultry production. Dead birds, suspected to be down to flu, have been reported at multiple habitats of importance.

The annual census of the mute swan population living on River Thames (NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

According to the official Royal Family website, held the right to claim ownership of all unmarked mute swans swimming in open waters across England. However, swans are no longer eaten and are a protected species.

Hundreds of years ago there were severe penalties for injuring or killing a swan, and criminals could be jailed for a year even for stealing swan eggs.

Apart from the monarch there are only three organisations which are allowed to own swans - Abbotsbury Swannery since the 14th Century, the Vintners since the 15th Century and the Dyers also since the 15th Century.

They have maintained their unique marks for swans which are made on the birds' beaks, but those unmarked are owned by the King.

Ryan Merrifield