Heartbreaking footage shows a swan refusing to leave the side of its dead partner as fears grow over the spread of bird flu across Kent.<\/p>\n
The distressing video was filmed at Minster Marshes in Thanet, where several of the birds – known to form pair bonds for life – have died in recent months.<\/p>\n
It was captured by Johnny Allen from Kent Wildlife Rescue, who said witnessing the scene \u201cbroke\u201d him.<\/p>\n
He told KentOnline the female swan had been seen just months earlier with eight cygnets in tow, which are now unaccounted for.<\/p>\n
Mr Allen says more than 50 swans have been found dead across the Canterbury and Thanet areas – including along the Sarre Penn and River Wantsum.<\/p>\n
While bird flu is a growing concern, those on the ground rescuing and treating the birds believe a pollution incident that killed thousands of fish in November may also be contributing to the deaths of mute swans.<\/p>\n
Dead swans began appearing at the same time and in similar locations to the fish deaths, and rescuers say the protected species feeds along riverbeds, potentially exposing them to contaminants.<\/p>\n
Johnny Allen says seeing the swan next to its mate in Thanet “broke” him. Picture: Johnny Allen<\/p>\n
They also say some birds have responded positively to treatment for suspected poisoning, including the use of charcoal.<\/p>\n
However, the Environment Agency has played down suggestions of a link.<\/p>\n
When asked about the claims by KentOnline, a spokesperson said the organisation is \u201cnot aware of any connection between the dead swans and fish\u201d.<\/p>\n
Mr Allen has been at the frontline of efforts to help the birds.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been working tirelessly for the last two months, recovering both dead and sick swans,\u201d the 65-year-old said.<\/p>\n
He claims only one swan has clearly displayed bird flu symptoms, adding that vets identified others as suffering from \u201ctoxic poisoning\u201d.<\/p>\n
One of the dead swans found in the Sarre Penn, between Canterbury and Thanet. Picture: Johnny Allen<\/p>\n
\u201cThe main difference between avian influenza symptoms and those of poisoning is that with poisoning, there is no chest rattle or discharge from the nostrils, mouth and eyes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Environment Agency confirmed an investigation into the source of the pollution is ongoing, but said the pollutant is no longer present in the water.<\/p>\n
\u201cIncreased flows in the watercourse allowed further dilution and natural breakdown of the pollutant,\u201d they added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere have been no further signs of wildlife in distress. We are not aware of any connection between the dead swans and fish.<\/p>\n
Previously, Mr Allen told KentOnline he feared the swan population in Thanet would be \u201cdecimated\u201d<\/a> this winter.<\/p>\n Confirmed cases of avian influenza in wild birds have continued to rise across Kent.<\/p>\n In the week commencing November 17, a mute swan and a herring gull were confirmed to have the disease in the Canterbury district, along with one swan in Thanet and one in Swale.<\/p>\n The following week, it was found in a dead herring gull in Thanet and another two mute swans in Canterbury.<\/p>\n In the week commencing December 8, one case was confirmed in a swan in Folkestone.<\/p>\n The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), which oversees avian influenza, will collect only five carcasses from a given species to test for the virus in any one area.<\/p>\n The responsibility for removing remaining animals – which would otherwise be left to rot or be scavenged – falls to volunteers such as Mr Allen.<\/p>\n One of the rescued swans was found on a path near a water treatment centre in Sandwich.<\/p>\n Mr Allen said: \u201cIt is just one of many currently in care. They will be fed, cleaned, and receive treatment in a warm, safe environment.<\/p>\n \u201cThis costs money, and despite what we thought when we were young, money doesn\u2019t grow on trees.\u201d<\/p>\n A national report published by the APHA on December 19 said bird flu cases have been particularly high among mute swans.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough December, wild bird cases have continued mainly in resident geese, swans and ducks,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n The wild bird risk level across the UK remains \u2018very high\u2019.<\/p>\n Elsewhere in Kent, more than 60 birds were culled after testing positive for avian influenza at the Happy Pants Ranch animal sanctuary<\/a> in Newington, near Sittingbourne.<\/p>\nJohnny Allen is a volunteer for Kent Wildlife Rescue Service. Picture: Johnny Allen<\/p>\n
One swan was rescued from a water works in Sandwich. Picture: Johnny Allen<\/p>\n
A pollution incident killed thousands of fish in the Sarre Penn and River Wantsum. Picture: Johnny Allen<\/p>\n