H5 avian flu found in dead Scottish swan

A strain of bird flu has been found in a dead swan in Scotland, health officials said tonight.

The Scottish Executive said preliminary tests had found “highly pathogenic H5 avian flu” in a sample from the bird.

The H5 strain is a contagious strain and can fatal to birds.

Further tests are being carried out to see if the strain is the deadly H5N1, which can be fatal to humans if they come into close contact with birds.

The European Commission said the dead swan was found in Cellardyke, a small coastal town in Fife, nine miles from St Andrews.

A 3km “Protection Zone” has been thrown up round the area where the swan was found, along with a “Surveillance Zone” of 10km, said a statement from the Scottish Executive.

“Whilst disease has yet to be confirmed, this is an important development,” said Chief Veterinary Officer for Scotland Charles Milne.

“Bird keepers outside the protection zone should redouble their efforts to prepare for bringing their birds indoors if that becomes necessary. They must also review their biosecurity measures to ensure that all possible precautions have been taken.”