EXPERTS are hoping the virulent infection which has killed off the majority of Buckfastleigh's population of muscovy ducks is starting to run its course.

Another duck was found dead on Wednesday morning, bringing the total fatalities from duck viral enteritis to 37.

However, even when the disease subsides, once the infection has taken hold, surviving ducks will have to be vaccinated against it reappearing every year, costing up to £250.

Duck expert Alan Gosling, whose own muscovy ducks are being kept in quarantine, believes the infection is slowing down.