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Proving that even in the presence of avian flu, swans can die of other causes, the latest two birds to be tested by Defra turned up negative for the H5N1 virus.
Swans test negative for bird flu in UK
12/01/2008 - 4:15:00 PMTwo dead swans have tested negative for the H5N1 strain of bird flu at a UK reserve where three birds were earlier found infected with the deadly virus.
The three infected swans were found at the Abbotsbury Swannery, an open reserve in the Chesil Beach area of Dorset, England on December 27, 31 and January 4.
The British Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) today confirmed that two more dead swans found in the area have tested negative for the H5N1 strain.
John Houston, general manager at Abbotsbury Tourism Ltd, said: “It’s good news but it’s too early days to be excited by it.”
Another dead swan was found along the Fleet lagoon at the historic tourist attraction today and will be sent for testing.
It takes the total number of dead swans found in the area to ten since December 27, said Mr Houston.
Tests were being carried out on the dead birds and a Defra spokeswoman said: “There are other birds being tested.
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