Eye kept on queen's birds
2006-02-20 21:20
London - The British royal family has more than a passing interest in bird flu, after the death of a wild duck in France from the H5N1 strain of the virus raised fears that it might cross into Britain.
All mute swans in Britain belong to Queen Elizabeth II, a tradition dating from the 12th century when monarchs claimed the white-feathered birds that were then considered a delicacy and valuable trading commodity.
Although swans are no longer a fixture on British dinner tables, the monarch theoretically retains ownership rights to all mute swans in open water, although in practice she only exercises it on certain stretches of water once a year.
The legacy of her ancestors' prerogative takes place in the annual Swan Upping census of the swan population on stretches of the River Thames and its tributaries in southern England every third week in July.
The ceremony is conducted by the Queen's Swan Marker and Swan Uppers of the Vintners' and Dyers' livery companies, who were granted co-ownership by the crown in the 15th century.
All wear scarlet uniforms and deck out their six traditional Thames rowing skiffs in flags and pennants, saluting "Her Majesty The Queen, Seigneur of the Swans" as they pass her Windsor Castle weekend residence, west of London.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace, the queen's official London residence, told AFP mute swans were non-migratory, implying they are less vulnerable to bird flu.
"Anything in relation to bird flu, we would take advice from the department for the environment, food and rural affairs," she added.
- SAPA