Defra confirms bird flu is back in Stratford after death of a heron
CONCERNS have been raised for Stratford’s bird population after a heron was found to have died from avian flu.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed that the bird, recovered from the River Avon, was infected with the virus.
The body of the bird was sent to Defra for tests after it was found last week near Fisherman’s car park on the outskirts of Stratford.
The body of a Canada goose has also been sent for tests.
No swans have been affected by this latest infection, but the virus took a deadly toll of the population in Stratford last November when 50 were wiped out in a matter of weeks, leaving many shocked and saddened by the intensity of the death rate.
Cyril Bennis, of Stratford Swan Rescue, told the Herald he contacted Defra about the dead birds.
“The virus does not affect humans but does affect animals,” Mr Bennis said. “I was surprised at first but with bird flu you cannot say it has gone away completely and it can be devastating as we saw last winter.
“There is no news on swans or cygnets being affected at the moment so we have to monitor things daily. It’s a week since I retrieved the heron and for me what’s odd about this death is the heron is a solitary and secluded bird but still picked up the virus from somewhere.”
The dead heron is one of five recent cases in the UK confirmed by Defra. The Stratford case was tested by a veterinary investigation officer at the Animal and Plant Health Agency who reported that influenza A was detected.
The officer confirmed: “The results indicate that the heron has tested positive for avian influenza, and this is likely to be the cause of death in this bird.”
Fortunately, the impending arrival of summer might counter the spread of bird flu as the winter months are when it’s most contagious. However, Mr Bennis says we need to remain vigilant.
“We’ve had no swan deaths in the last three or four months but we can’t be complacent. Defra has said it’s going to keep an eye on things.
“I will be on high alert for the time being because the dead heron confirms we have avian flu back on the River Avon.”
