Swiss examine dead swans for bird flu

University experts are examining three dead swans found in central Switzerland to see if they were infected with bird flu, authorities said today.

The swans were found in the central cantons (states) of Aargau, Solothurn and Schwyz, said Marcel Falk, spokesman for the federal veterinary office.

The discovery of the dead swans was reported to authorities yesterday, Falk said. Results could be expected before the weekend.

About 600 swans die of normal causes every year in Switzerland, 300 of which are normally noted by the authorities, Falk explained.

Heightened surveillance measures because of the threat of bird flu could be leading to a higher count of swans dead due to normal causes than usual, he said.