Another sick swan today on the canal at Bamfurlong bridge ( a last year's cygnet which has been on Pearson's Flash) - Derek Hampson collected it from my house and it's gone to Stapeley. They think it's a strain of clostridium but the cost would be prohibitive to find out which.

A total of 16 Mute Swans have been taken to RSPCA Stapeley Grange for treatment for the mystery infection in GMC so far (4 from Pennington Flash and 12 from Three Sisters)
but a further 10-12 died at Three Sisters before it was realised that there was an infection (information from the RSPCA's Derek Hampson). Thankfully, all the birds at the Wigan Flashes appear OK. Moses Gate CP is being checked daily. Apparently the onset is very rapid indeed.

The RSPCA tell me that the infection affecting Mute Swans at Southport and Fleetwood has now spread to birds at Pennington Flash and Three Sisters where there are concentrations of non-breeding birds. Birds showing signs of illness are being taken the RSPCA's wildlife hospital at Stapeley Grange for treatment. If you see any swans anywhere that are obviously unwell, please let me know so that I can pass a message to Derek Hampson at the RSPCA. My telephone number is 01942 712615 and there is an answerphone facility. Thanks.