Dead swans wash ashore in Estonia as bird flu fears rise

Dead swans have been discovered along the beaches of Viimsi and Pirita in Estonia. Authorities suspect bird flu is the cause, as the disease was previously confirmed in local waterfowl. The public has been warned not to touch the carcasses to avoid health risks.

Olev Kalda, director of the Animal Health and Welfare Department at the Agriculture and Food Board (PTA), confirmed the deaths and their connection to bird flu. By Tuesday morning, around 20 dead swans had already been collected from Pirita Beach alone.

The outbreak is not restricted to swans, though they are currently the most visible victims along the shoreline. The PTA has decided against further testing, as the disease has already been identified in the area.

Local governments are responsible for removing the carcasses, following PTA guidelines. In Viimsi, contractor Jäägriabi Oü handles cases on the same day, but increasing numbers are causing delays. Meanwhile, in Tallinn's Pirita District, the task has shifted to beach maintenance contractor HKP Oü, which must respond within two hours under its contract.

Authorities have advised residents to avoid contact with sick or dead birds. Instead, they should call Estonia's state information hotline at 1247 for guidance.

The situation remains under monitoring, with collection efforts ongoing in both Viimsi and Pirita. While no total count of dead waterfowl has been reported, the strain on local services highlights the scale of the outbreak. The public is reminded to follow safety instructions to prevent further risks.