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Fourth swan found with bird flu Fourth swan found with bird flu
(about 1 hour later)
A fourth swan at a swannery in Dorset has tested positive for the virulent H5N1 strain of bird flu, environment department Defra has said. A fourth swan at a sanctuary in Dorset has tested positive for the virulent H5N1 strain of bird flu, environment department Defra has said.
Three mute swans found dead last week at the Abbotsbury Swannery also tested positive for the strain of the disease. Three mute swans found dead last week at the Abbotsbury Swannery, near Chesil Beach, also tested positive for H5N1.
Tests have been conducted on birds around the nearby Chesil Beach, as vets try to contain the outbreak. The fourth swan was one of four found dead at the swannery on Friday. Tests on the other three proved negative.
Culling has been ruled out so far but there are restrictions on movements of captive birds nearby.Culling has been ruled out so far but there are restrictions on movements of captive birds nearby.
Staff monitoredStaff monitored
Tests are being carried out on birds around the Chesil Beach area as part of routine surveillance for the disease.
After the outbreak was discovered in birds in late December and early January, all commercial poultry premises in the area were designated for inspection by government officials for signs of the disease.After the outbreak was discovered in birds in late December and early January, all commercial poultry premises in the area were designated for inspection by government officials for signs of the disease.
Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg also urged all bird keepers to remain vigilant. Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Fred Landeg has urged all bird keepers to remain vigilant.
The outbreak was picked up by routine testing.
The Health Protection Agency has monitored about 12 staff at the swannery for signs of the disease, although the risk of infection is said to be low.The Health Protection Agency has monitored about 12 staff at the swannery for signs of the disease, although the risk of infection is said to be low.
Workers were given a course of Tamiflu tablets as a precaution.Workers were given a course of Tamiflu tablets as a precaution.
Ancient heritage
John Houston, general manager at Abbotsbury Tourism Ltd, said: "That puts us back to square one in terms of waiting for a 21-day clearance before we are out of the woods.
"It's disappointing but not totally unexpected this early in the outbreak. It would be wonderful if it disappeared immediately but that's unrealistic.
"It's going to take a while for it to be contained and weeded out."
The swannery is part of an area of wetland recognised to be of international importance.
The swans have an ancient connection with the site - the swannery was first established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040s.