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Bird flu discovered in mute swans Bird flu discovered in mute swans
(10 minutes later)
Three mute swans in Dorset have been found dead with the virulent H5N1 strain of bird flu.Three mute swans in Dorset have been found dead with the virulent H5N1 strain of bird flu.
Efforts have begun to test other birds at Abbotsbury Swannery, a sanctuary located nine miles from Weymouth.Efforts have begun to test other birds at Abbotsbury Swannery, a sanctuary located nine miles from Weymouth.
Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg said: "Our message to all bird keepers, particularly those in the area, is that they must be vigilant."
BBC environment correspondent Sarah Mukherjee said officials would now try to establish how the virus spread.
'Big shock'
The swans' carcasses were found following routine surveillance, a statement from Defra said.
Defra spokeswoman Linda Scott said: "Government vets have been testing them for avian flu for the last two days."Defra spokeswoman Linda Scott said: "Government vets have been testing them for avian flu for the last two days."
The BBC's environment correspondent Sarah Mukherjee said officials would now study migration patterns to try to establish how the virus spread. The statement added that a Wild Bird Control Area and Monitoring Area has been set up around the Swannery, covering Chesil Beach and Portland Bill.
John Houston from Abbotsbury Swannery said: "It's all a big shock. No-one expected it to come round here." Culling of wild birds has been ruled out because experts fear this may disperse birds further.
John Houston from Abbotsbury Swannery, which holds 600 swans, said: "It's all a big shock. No-one expected it to come round here."
Shadow Environment Secretary, Peter Ainsworth said: "Clearly this is very disturbing news especially because of the connection with the wild bird population."Shadow Environment Secretary, Peter Ainsworth said: "Clearly this is very disturbing news especially because of the connection with the wild bird population."