Bird flu outbreak reported at East Yorkshire nature reserve
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reports cases affecting mute swan population
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has reported cases of bird flu at their North Cave Wetlands reserve near Hull affecting the mute swan population.
The Trust is asking visitors to report any poorly or dead birds they see if visiting the reserve, but not to touch them.
The swans are usually located away from the public areas and footpaths, and the Trust says it is closely monitoring the situation with support from Defra.
Mute swans are some of the reserve's most common wetland birds, and there is a reasonably-sized population at North Cave Wetlands over the winter months.
Tony Martin, Nature Reserves Manager for North Cave Wetlands, said, “It is with great sadness that we have reported an outbreak of avian influenza (HPAI) at North Cave Wetlands. We are liaising closely with Defra on next steps, and following their advice during this time.
“Sadly, avian flu is a disease that is spread between wild birds and aquatic birds like gulls, ducks and geese are considered most at risk. We can’t stop this happening, but we can help our wild birds to be healthy and thrive, to withstand disease outbreaks like this. They already face pressures from habitat loss, pollution and a decline in insects and other food sources, and nature reserves remain our best line of defence for their survival.
“We will continue to monitor the state of the population and hope this outbreak will remain isolated to mute swans. We thank all of our visitors for their support and understanding at this time.”