Menu
11/04/2006
Bird flu swan may have died 'outside UK'
A dead swan infected with the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu, which was found in Fife last week, may have died outside the UK.
The Central Science Laboratory has identified the swan, which was discovered in the coastal village of Cellardyke, as a whooper swan, which migrate to the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and northern Russia in the winter.
The BBC cited Whitehall sources as saying that a "working hypothesis" was that the bird had died in another country and had been washed by on the Scottish coast.
Test results suggested that the swan had been infected with an almost identical virus to that found in dead swans discovered on the island of Ruegen, off the coast of Germany.
No other infected birds have so far been found in the UK, since the swan was discovered. The case was the first of the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus to be detected in a wild bird in the British Isles.
A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone in place remains in place around Cellardyke.
Anyone who finds a dead swan, goose or duck or three or more dead wild or garden birds together in the same place is asked to contact Defra's helpline on: 08459 335577.
(KMcA)
The Central Science Laboratory has identified the swan, which was discovered in the coastal village of Cellardyke, as a whooper swan, which migrate to the UK from Iceland, Scandinavia and northern Russia in the winter.
The BBC cited Whitehall sources as saying that a "working hypothesis" was that the bird had died in another country and had been washed by on the Scottish coast.
Test results suggested that the swan had been infected with an almost identical virus to that found in dead swans discovered on the island of Ruegen, off the coast of Germany.
No other infected birds have so far been found in the UK, since the swan was discovered. The case was the first of the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus to be detected in a wild bird in the British Isles.
A 3km protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone in place remains in place around Cellardyke.
Anyone who finds a dead swan, goose or duck or three or more dead wild or garden birds together in the same place is asked to contact Defra's helpline on: 08459 335577.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 January 2006
Bird flu spreads in Turkey
Cases of bird flu are reportedly spreading in Turkey, with cases reported in the east, north and centre of the country. Two children - both siblings from the village of Dogubayazit - have died after becoming infected with the deadly H5N1 virus.
Bird flu spreads in Turkey
Cases of bird flu are reportedly spreading in Turkey, with cases reported in the east, north and centre of the country. Two children - both siblings from the village of Dogubayazit - have died after becoming infected with the deadly H5N1 virus.
17 January 2008
Fourth Swan Dies From Bird Flu Virus
The UK's defences against Bird Flu have been highlighted again with news that a fourth swan has now tested positive for the H5N1 strain of bird flu.
Fourth Swan Dies From Bird Flu Virus
The UK's defences against Bird Flu have been highlighted again with news that a fourth swan has now tested positive for the H5N1 strain of bird flu.
06 April 2006
Bird flu confirmed in Scotland
A swan found dead in Scotland has tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu, the Scottish Executive has confirmed. The RSPB and the National Farmers Union had earlier confirmed the infection. The swan, a native mute swan, was found in the coastal village of Cellardyke in Fife in Scotland eight days ago.
Bird flu confirmed in Scotland
A swan found dead in Scotland has tested positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu, the Scottish Executive has confirmed. The RSPB and the National Farmers Union had earlier confirmed the infection. The swan, a native mute swan, was found in the coastal village of Cellardyke in Fife in Scotland eight days ago.
17 October 2005
British flu experts to travel to Asia
A team of British scientists are to visit Southeast Asia in order to investigate how to handle a potential outbreak of bird flu. Experts from the Medical Research Council will leave the UK on Sunday on a fact-finding mission to Vietnam, China and Hong Kong, the region where 60 people have died from the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus.
British flu experts to travel to Asia
A team of British scientists are to visit Southeast Asia in order to investigate how to handle a potential outbreak of bird flu. Experts from the Medical Research Council will leave the UK on Sunday on a fact-finding mission to Vietnam, China and Hong Kong, the region where 60 people have died from the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus.
20 April 2006
Fife bird flu restrictions to be lifted
The restrictions put in place following the discovery of a swan with bird flu in Cellardyke, Fife, Scotland are to be removed within days. The First Minister has told the Scottish Parliament that the 3km “protection zone” applied to poultry products was to be removed on Saturday.
Fife bird flu restrictions to be lifted
The restrictions put in place following the discovery of a swan with bird flu in Cellardyke, Fife, Scotland are to be removed within days. The First Minister has told the Scottish Parliament that the 3km “protection zone” applied to poultry products was to be removed on Saturday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
