DEFRAofficials have been unable to identify the source of the
H5N1 virus in therecent Dorset mute swan outbreak,
according to itsepidemiology reportwhich was
published yesterday, the same day as officials confirmed a seventh
positive swan.
While it has not been possible to conclusively identify the
source of the infection, state vets suspect the most likely
hypothesis is that it was introduced by an infected migratory wild
bird.
However, the investigation did establish that the strain of the
virus is similar to those isolated in continental Europe in the
latter part of 2007.
Based on testing and surveillance, there is currently no
evidence to suggest widespread disease in the wild bird population,
but poultry keepers in the area are still being reminded to remain
vigilant and report any signs of disease immediately.
The current outbreak has been confined to seven birds found at
the
Abbotsbury
Swannery, which DEFRA stresses represents a very low level of
infection in the wild bird population on the site.
Targeted surveillance for avian flu in wild birds is in place
throughout the UK and focuses on species that are most likely to
spread the disease and on high risk areas where there is a greater
abundance of poultry and waterfowl.
There have been over 2000 patrols undertaken since the start of
this migration period in September/October at over 200 sites.
