Sixth swan positive for H5N1 avian flu in Dorset

DEFRA has today confirmed that a sixth mute swan collected on 21 January as part of wild bird surveillance in the same area in Dorset as other recent cases has tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu.

The Department stressed that it “was not unexpected, and our enhanced surveillance of wild birds in the area is continuing including active patrols to look for dead wild birds.”

There is currently no evidence to suggest widespread disease in the wild bird population, but poultry keepers in the area are reminded to remain vigilant and report any signs of disease immediately. There remains no evidence of disease in domestic birds, said DEFRA.

Good news

One piece of good news is that swans sampled on the premises have all tested negative. There were fears that swans may have been carrying the virus without showing symptoms.

Last Friday, the restrictions on the movement of poultry or other captive birds in the Wild Bird Monitoring Area fell, and such movements no longer require a licence. However, movement restrictions in the Wild Bird Control Area remain in place.