Scottish swan positive for H5N1

The swan that died of bird flu in Scotland has tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus, the RSPB said today.

The dead bird was discovered last week on a harbour slipway in the coastal village of Cellardyke in Fife.

Further tests were carried out today to confirm if the swan had the strain that can be fatal to humans.

Dr Paul Walton, species and habitat policy officer for the RSPB, said at Cellardyke Harbour: “We’ve heard from government scientists that it is confirmed H5N1, which is the same type as has been spreading westwards across Europe in recent months.”