Who
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Style
  • Health
  • Beauty
  • Sexiest People
  • The Travel List
  • streaming
  • Video
Who
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Style
  • Health
  • Beauty
  • Sexiest People
  • The Travel List
  • streaming
  • Video
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Entertainment

Queen Elizabeth's swans may have been killed by bird flu outbreak

At Harry and Meghan's wedding site. - by Erin Hill
  • 06 Feb 2018
Queen Elizabeth's swans may have been killed by bird flu outbreak
Getty Images

More than 20 of Queen Elizabeth’s swans from her Windsor flock have died amid fears that they succumbed to a bird flu outbreak sweeping the area.

 

Scientists from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are currently investigating the suspected case of H5N6 avian influenza, according to reports.

David Barber, the Queen’s official Swan Marker, who is responsible for the 800-year tradition of carrying out an annual census of Thames swans, said in a statement: “Over 20 swans have died now and there’s a lot which are seriously ill which will die — well over 20 more.”

Defra confirmed that seven of the swans that died were currently being tested for bird flu. 

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of these swans,” Barber continued. “We’re waiting to hear from Defra, but yes it is bird flu. I’m sure the Queen would be concerned. You cannot do anything about it. It will burn itself out. They’re wild birds and it is spread by wild birds and we’ve been very unlucky.”

Queen Elizabeth
Getty Images

According to Defra, the outbreak at Windsor, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will tie the knot on May 19, is unlikely to lead to a cull (selective slaughter). “There’d only be a cull if it’s a bird involved in the food chain, poultry for example,” they said in a statement.

The Queen, who is a known animal lover, takes great interest in the Windsor swans.

The Crown owns all mute swans (the most common of three local species) found on open water in the U.K. as part of a tradition dating back to the 12th century. Each year, a Swan Upping takes places in which the animals are weighed and measured.

Queen Elizabeth
Getty Images

According to the official British Monarchy website: “The swans are also given a health check and ringed with individual identification numbers by The Queen’s Swan Warden. The swans are then set free again.”

After the Swan Upping has been completed every July, the Queen’s Swan Marker releases a report that provides data about the number of all swans that were accounted for. 

This article originally appeared on PEOPLE.

  • Entertainment
  • Royals
  • Meghan Markle
  • Prince Harry
  • Royal Wedding

Subscribe to Who magazine-& save!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Who magazine

Subscribe to Who magazine-& save!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Who magazine

Recommended to you

Louis Tomlinson Calls James Corden Out
Watch 0:36

Louis Tomlinson Calls James Corden Out

{headline}

{headline}

Palace officials just shared more Royal wedding details

Palace officials just shared more Royal wedding details

The meaning behind the colour coordination in the official Royal Wedding portraits

The meaning behind the colour coordination in the official Royal Wedding portraits

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle send sweet thank you notes following their Royal Wedding

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle send sweet thank you notes following their Royal Wedding

Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle places her royal bouquet on the grave of an unknown soldier

Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle places her royal bouquet on the grave of an unknown soldier

{headline}

{headline}

Duchess of Sussex Meghan is already on the Royal Family’s official website but there's one thing missing

Duchess of Sussex Meghan is already on the Royal Family’s official website but there's one thing missing

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's first dance song was I wanna dance with somebody by Whitney Houston

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's first dance song was I wanna dance with somebody by Whitney Houston

The amazing detail you probably missed as Meghan and Harry left for their evening reception

The amazing detail you probably missed as Meghan and Harry left for their evening reception

{headline}

{headline}

Kensington Palace confirm Prince Charles will walk Meghan Markle down the aisle at the royal wedding

Kensington Palace confirm Prince Charles will walk Meghan Markle down the aisle at the royal wedding

Meghan Markle's father speaks out about Prince Charles

Meghan Markle's father speaks out about Prince Charles

Baker shares first photo of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's royal wedding cake preparations

Baker shares first photo of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's royal wedding cake preparations

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's bridal party has been announced

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's bridal party has been announced

The Queen just officially gave her consent to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

The Queen just officially gave her consent to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Meghan wedding to give a speech at her wedding

Meghan wedding to give a speech at her wedding

Meghan wears $30 ASOS dress after mid air outfit change

Meghan wears $30 ASOS dress after mid air outfit change

Who
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy
Who Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • marie claire
  • Bounty Parents

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • All Recipes
  • Practical Parenting
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • 7mate
  • 7Sport
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Who

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Who magazine-& save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Who magazine