Epidemic (animal)

Bird flu fears erupted in a UK city after multiple swans were found dead. Several swans have been discovered dead at Backwell Lake near Bristol, sparking concerns over a potential bird flu outbreak. The Curious Critters charity reported that the swans displayed an unusual symptom before dying which is that their eyes had turned blue.
The charity added that while lab results are usually awaited before public announcements, the distinctive eye colour changes gave them confidence that Avian Influenza was the cause. They have urged the local community to follow safety guidelines to prevent further spread of the virus.
Working closely with Bath Swan Rescue and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), five deceased swans were safely collected this morning.
A spokesperson for Curious Critters said: "On Sunday, November 9, we were made aware of multiple deceased swans at Backwell Lake.
"Having liaised closely with Bath Swan Rescue and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), safe collection of five deceased swans took place this morning (Monday, November 10).
"Whilst we would typically wait for final lab results prior to an announcement, multiple of the swans sadly displayed a very unique symptom of Avian Influenza - their eyes had changed to a characteristic blue colour."
They explained: "This happens when the virus affects the cells lining the cornea. We are very confident we are looking at an Avian Influenza outbreak and would ask that the community please follow the guidelines on the poster attached [to the Facebook post] to help prevent spread.
"Retrieving the deceased swans will have played a huge role in safeguarding the remaining wildlife. I want to thank Bath Swan Rescue who yet again gave invaluable advice, equipment, and helped co-ordinated this whole mission. Please be considerate during this sad time, and do all you can to keep yourself, your pets and the wildlife safe."
This comes as the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has issued a mandatory housing order across England in response to rising cases of the virus.
The public has been urged to follow safety measures, including keeping to footpaths, keeping dogs on leads, and not feeding wild waterfowl such as swans, ducks, or geese.
People are also advised not to touch or pick up dead or sick birds, avoid contact with wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with droppings, and to wash hands and disinfect footwear if caring for poultry or other birds.
Any sightings of dead wild birds should be reported to DEFRA.