A report in The Guardian published on November 27th confirms avian influenza strain H5N8 in swans in Cumbria, Worcestershire, Devon and in diverse city parks.
The geographic extent of infection in this apparently highly susceptible species denotes the broad dissemination of H5N8 avian influenza virus by migratory waterfowl. Other species affected include pink-footed geese, graylag geese, Canada geese and non-anseriformes including raptors and shore birds. Swans were affected by HPAI in Holland in November.
Outbreaks of H5N8 avian influenza have occurred in domestic poultry in the Counties of Kent, Cheshire, Leicestershire and Herefordshire. A flock of 10,000 turkeys was depleted during the past week in Yorkshire as result of H5N8 infection. This followed depletion of a 13,500-hen flock in Cheshire.
U.K. veterinary authorities have issued a nationwide warning to poultry producers to maintain high levels of biosecurity including confinement. Where outbreaks have occurred, appropriate OIE protocols relating to quarantine, depletion and surveillance have been implemented.