Sixth swan tests positive for H5N1

The news comes after restrictions on the movement of poultry or other captive birds in the Wild Bird Monitoring Area around Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset were lifted at 3pm on Friday.

However, movement restrictions in the Wild Bird Control Area remain in place, according to a Defra spokesman.

The spokesman added: "Defra has today confirmed that a sixth mute swan collected on 21 January as part of wild bird surveillance in the same area in Dorset has tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza.

"This is not unexpected, and our enhanced surveillance of wild birds in the area is continuing, including active patrols to look for dead wild birds.

"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 remains no evidence of disease in domestic birds. Live swans were also sampled on the premises and all results are negative."

The swannery is part of an area of wetland recognised to be of international importance.

The Health Protection Agency has monitored about 12 staff at the swannery for signs of the disease, although the risk of infection is said to be low.

Workers have been given a course of anti-viral drug Tamiflu as a precaution.