Tests on swans in North negative

TESTS for bird flu on six dead swans in the North have proved negative.

Four carcasses recovered in Portglenone, Co Antrim and two in Moira, Co Down were checked for H5N1 and given the all-clear.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) said it had been given the all-clear after tests at its Belfast headquarters.

Concerns about the birds had intensified following the confirmation of a case of H5N1 in a swan found in Scotland on Thursday.

Confirming the all-clear, Bert Houston, chief veterinary officer for the North, said: "So far this year DARD has tested 23 swans, all of which have been negative for highly pathogenic avian influenza. We will continue to undertake such testing as necessary."

Liam McKibben, DARD's director of animal health and welfare, said 350 dead and live bird samples were tested between October and December last year.

The department has set up a special phone line on 02890-524999 for the public to call if they are suspicious about dead birds.

Mr Houston said: "If any member of the public finds a dead swan, or three or more dead wild or garden birds together in the same place please report this to the department."

He said if single, small garden or wild birds were found dead the department need not be informed.

Instead, he said, the bird should be placed in a plastic bag and disposed of in a rubbish bin - with hands then being thoroughly washed as a precaution.

Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Jeff Rooker insisted this week that the province was fully prepared to deal with a flu outbreak. Officials from his department had been involved in the urgent veterinary risk assessment following the confirmed case in Fife.

Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew has called for all poultry importation from Britain to be halted. The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP said: "Time is of the essence on this matter.

"Both departments of agriculture need to state at what stage does the free movement of poultry across the island stop.

"In addition, the importation of poultry from Britain must stop immediately."