Donations have been pouring into the Dawlish Waterfowl team following the deaths of 11 black swans and cygnets from bird flu.

The outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 swept through the colony of swans living on The Brook earlier this month, killing five cygnets and five older birds, including the cygnets' mother.

The father swan was also infected, but is recovering well in isolation.

The five remaining swans and the other waterfowl have apparently not been affected.

There have been outbreaks elsewhere in the UK, leading to the introduction of Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZ) across the whole of England, Scotland and Wales.

Great sympathy for the wardens, and sadness from the public

Dawlish Town Council's projects officer, Angie Weatherhead, told the Civic Amenities Committee on Wednesday evening (November 18): "The town clerk has been liaising with Defra, Teignbridge Environmental Health and other agencies, as required.

"Obviously the waterfowl wardens have got an unprecedented situation.

"The public have been very upset by what's happening, and we have had a stream of donations from the public towards when we are able to restock, and also go towards the veterinary care that is taking place."

Councillors expressed their own sadness at the deaths of the swans, and agreed to send the waterfowl wardens a formal letter of thanks and sympathy on behalf of the committee.

Cllr Martin Wrigley said: "You see them when the birds are hatching and they're like new parents, they're very invested in them."

The meeting was also told that the Black Swan Camera had been directed away from the Brook and out to sea as a gesture of sensitivity, in response to the bird flu outbreak.

'We will get through this'

Cllr Rosalind Prowse said: "I've been in the council when we've had avian flu before, and we have lost a great deal, and we have recovered, and I know we will recover."

For further information on avian flu, and advice for bird keepers, visit the Government's avian flu website