As a hgv driver, Rupert Stephenson's day job takes him to many places, one of those last week was Stratford upon Avon.
'I was emptying bins along the river area, only 100 yards from the swans, who come to see if there's any food on offer. In light of the avian flu situation, and the death of 20 swans at Stratford during the week, I took the decision to isolate myself from the greater show community. Yes, I missed two shows that weekend I was going to, but I feel it was the correct and proper thing to do'.
Although many of our members were looking forward to seeing Rupert at the Champion Waterfowl Exhibition at Stroud last Sunday, we applaud his decision. Rupert certainly preserves his reputation as a responsible poultry keeper and friend to many people - but more importantly he acted to stop any possible spread of this deadly disease in our birds.
The BWA extends the hand of friendship to our fellow bird lovers who have not been so fortunate in their timing.
