We’re fully prepared for bird flu, says Coughlan

AGRICULTURE Minister Mary Coughlan said her department was fully prepared to deal with an outbreak of bird flu.

This follows confirmation yesterday that a dead swan found in Scotland has tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus.

But her assurance comes as tests are due to start in Belfast on four dead swans found in Newferry, Co Antrim, and on two swan carcasses from Moira, Co Down.