Further Swan Positive for Bird Flu
UK - The British Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed that a fifth mute swan collected on 14 January as part of wild bird surveillance from the same area has tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza.
21 January 2008
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Defra said that this was not unexpected, and the enhanced surveillance of wild birds in the area is continuing, including active patrols to look for dead wild birds.
Defra added that there is currently no evidence to suggest widespread disease in the wild bird population, but poultry keepers in the area are reminded to remain vigilant and report any signs of disease immediately.
There is no evidence of disease in domestic birds.
Following a risk assessment, a general licence is now available to permit the shooting of wild game birds and pest wild bird species within the Wild Bird Monitoring Area, but the ban remains in the Control Area.
In addition, the licence permits catching wild game birds in the Monitoring Area, and trapping pest wild bird species within both the Monitoring and Control Areas.
