2 swans on Esplanade in Boston euthanized after showing bird flu symptoms

BOSTON — Two swans on the Charles River Esplanade in Boston were euthanized earlier this week after they showed bird flu symptoms.

Animal control officers responding to multiple reports of sick swans on the Esplanade captured and transported the sick birds to the city’s animal care facility, according to officials.

In a statement, officials said, “Unfortunately the birds were quite ill, exhibiting symptoms consistent with Avian Influenza and were humanely euthanized.”

Five cygnets were rescued from the Esplanade on Wednesday morning and transported to the Cape Wildlife Center for evaluation.

The cygnets are just a couple of weeks old, and four out of the five babies are healthy and doing well.

The one cygnet has a significant foot injury, according to officials at the Cape Wildlife Center. The foot has been bandaged and stabilized at this time.

All five of the young swans are currently isolated together in a bio-secure room while wild officials wait for their bird flu lab results.

The hope is too release the baby swans back to the Esplanade when they are big enough to be on their own.

If you have any questions about avian influenza or what to do when you see a sick bird, click here.

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