Veterinary Services

Fourteen whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) were found dead close to a large pond. Other whooper swans nearby appeared weak, but mute swans (Cygnus olor) on the pond were unaffected. Blood samples from three live affected whooper swans had lead concentrations of 10.2, 6.9 and 4.4 mM/litre respectively (reference range for background exposure is 0-1.2), confirming the suspicion of lead poisoning. The area around the pond had been used for shooting over many years. The mute swans may have been unaffected because of their different feeding habits.

Yellow caseous masses, presumed to be the result of trichomoniasis, were found in the oropharynx of a collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) and a wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) from different locations. A similar caseous mass in the crop of a chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) was caused by Salmonella Typhimurium DT40.

A buzzard (Buteo buteo) in good condition was found dead and death by gunshot was suspected. No evidence of trauma was found at post mortem examination, but a small hard unidentified structure was found lodged in the larynx, and respiratory failure following occlusion of the airways was diagnosed.