Bird flu found in two more swans

Defra has today confirmed that another two dead wild mute swans, collected on 28 January as part of wild bird surveillance in the same area in Dorset have tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza (AI). This brings the total number of swans confirmed with H5N1 on the site to nine.

Further cases in the coming weeks would not be unexpected, said Defra. Evidence suggests that the level of infection in the mute swan population is low, and there remains no evidence of spread to other wild birds or domestic poultry. Defra is continuing to keep the disease risk to domestic poultry and control measures under review and will be assessing options for any changes to the current restrictions in place, should evidence continue to point to a low level of infection confined to the mute swan population.

Poultry keepers in the area are reminded of the requirement to house or otherwise keep separate their birds from wild birds, and remain vigilant for signs of disease, reporting any suspicions immediately. Defra's enhanced surveillance of wild birds in the area is continuing including active patrols to look for dead wild birds.

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