Swans test positive for deadly bird flu strain

Three wild swans found dead in Dorset have tested positive for the H5N1 strain of bird flu, the British Government confirmed today.

The birds were found in the Chesil Beach area of the county during routine surveillance.

A control area has been set up in the area, within which bird owners must isolate their flocks from wild birds.

No disease has been found in domestic birds, and a programme of surveillance of wild birds is to be carried out.