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07/04/2006
Dead swans did not have bird flu
UPDATE: The results of tests carried out on a number of swans, which were found dead yesterday have turned out to be negative, the Department of Agriculture has announced.
The remains of the birds were found on the River Bann near Portglenone and others were found near Randalstown in County Antrim.
Northern Ireland's chief vet, Bert Houston had said that "routine tests" were being carried out on the birds, however he added that tests carried out on other swans recently showed up negative for the H5N1 virus.
Mr Houston had eraier said that if the virus was found in Northern Ireland, the government had plans in place to deal with an outbreak.
He said: "It will involve us setting up a series of command structures, getting a local exotic disease centre placed on the ground, we will put in 3km protection zones, 10km surveillance zones and apply all the control measures required by the European Commission."
These comments came after yesterday's confirmation that the virus had been found in a swan in Fife in Scotland.
So far, only two out of the 13 cases of 'bird flu' in the European Union have been reported to have been transferred to domestic poultry and today the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) have said that there is no need for people to panic at this early stage.
The Department of Agriculture has set up a special telephone line for anyone seeking advice or for anyone who may spot dead swans or other waterfowl, or large numbers of dead wild birds. The number is 028 90 524999.
(EF/SP)
The remains of the birds were found on the River Bann near Portglenone and others were found near Randalstown in County Antrim.
Northern Ireland's chief vet, Bert Houston had said that "routine tests" were being carried out on the birds, however he added that tests carried out on other swans recently showed up negative for the H5N1 virus.
Mr Houston had eraier said that if the virus was found in Northern Ireland, the government had plans in place to deal with an outbreak.
He said: "It will involve us setting up a series of command structures, getting a local exotic disease centre placed on the ground, we will put in 3km protection zones, 10km surveillance zones and apply all the control measures required by the European Commission."
These comments came after yesterday's confirmation that the virus had been found in a swan in Fife in Scotland.
So far, only two out of the 13 cases of 'bird flu' in the European Union have been reported to have been transferred to domestic poultry and today the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) have said that there is no need for people to panic at this early stage.
The Department of Agriculture has set up a special telephone line for anyone seeking advice or for anyone who may spot dead swans or other waterfowl, or large numbers of dead wild birds. The number is 028 90 524999.
(EF/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
