Swans test negative for bird flu

Three infected swans were found at the Abbotsbury Swannery, an open reserve in the Chesil Beach area of Dorset, on 27 and 31 December and 4 January.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed the other two swans did not have the virus but said other birds were still being tested.

Restrictions have been placed on movements of captive birds nearby.

"It's good news but it's too early days to be excited by it"
John Houston
Abbotsbury Tourism Ltd

Tests were carried out at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency in Weybridge, Surrey.

John Houston, general manager at Abbotsbury Tourism Ltd, said: "It's good news but it's too early days to be excited by it."

Ten dead swans have been found in the area since 27 December, said Mr Houston.

"It's not unusual for birds to die in the winter of natural causes. In fact, there are less dying at the moment than usual because it's quite warm. Until I hear otherwise I'm going to assume the best," he added.

A Defra spokeswoman said: "There are other birds being tested.

"We expect there to continue being birds tested not least because the public are vigilant at the moment which is great because that means the surveillance is more effective."

The control area extends about 15 miles (25km) to the south-east of Abbotsbury, including the towns of Weymouth, Chesil Beach and the Portland Bill headland, while a larger monitoring area of about 20 miles (32km) also includes the town of Dorchester.

The Abbotsbury Swannery is a reserve for free-flying swans and other wild birds.

The H5N1 discovery comes month after restrictions on poultry movement were lifted in Norfolk and Suffolk.