THE post mortem on the swan found dead at County Hall has shown the cause of death was Duck Viral Enteritis (DVE).

This is a fast-acting disease that affects only waterfowl and usually occurs during April and May.

It is more common on still water in hot weather and will often kill a number of ducks, geese and swans in a very short time.

It is to be hoped that this was an isolated case and no more birds are lost. There is no treatment once a bird contracts it, so the swan could not have been saved.

This is a disease that only affects waterfowl and does not pose a risk to anything else.

It's good to know that so many people have shown concern for the swans. I hope they may feel a little bit better knowing it was a natural death.

EDWARD BIRD,

Worcestershire Swan Study Group, Worcester.