February 16, 2006

Bird flu confirmed in swans in Hungary

Three dead wild swans found in Hungary have tested positive for the H5 bird flu virus, the European Commission said on Feb 15.

Samples from the swans have been sent to a specialist laboratory in Weybridge, UK to find out if they had the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus.

The commission said the Hungarian authorities are applying the same precautionary measures as other member states in which the H5N1 virus has been confirmed or is suspected in wild birds.

The H5N1 strain has been confirmed in wild birds in Greece, Italy and Germany. It is also suspected in Slovenia and Austria.