Swans found dead near bird-flu site

Published on Friday 11 January 2008 21:07

FOUR dead swans have been found close to where three birds were found to have died from the deadly strain of avian flu.

Tests were last night continuing on birds around Chesil Beach in Dorset, after the carcases of three mute swans were discovered at a sanctuary.

On Thursday, it was confirmed that the birds had tested positive for the H5N1 strain. Culling has been ruled out, but there are restrictions on movements of captive birds nearby.

A spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said: "Two further dead swans have been collected from the same area in Dorset and are with the Veterinary Laboratories Agency, Weybridge." Their bodies are undergoing tests.

One of the two was found in the same nesting area at Abbotsbury where the initial three swans were discovered, while the second was found at Little Bredy, about three miles away. It is possible it hit power lines, the swannery said.

Two dead swans were also found miles apart at opposite ends of the Fleet lagoon last night, said John Houston, the general manager at Abbotsbury Tourism Ltd. He said this meant it was "less likely" that they had infected each other.

An average of 20 to 30 swans usually die in January, Mr Houston said. The original three swans were found on three separate dates: 27 and 31 December and 4 January.

Hilary Benn, the UK environment secretary, said it was essential that bird keepers remain vigilant and report anything suspicious.