Nidderdale swan tested for bird flu

THE body of a dead swan discovered by a birdwatcher at a reservoir in the Upper Nidderdale area of North Yorkshire is being sent for tests to check whether it died from bird flu.

The bird was found on Monday at Yorkshire Water's Gouthwaite Reservoir by a local businessman.

The dead bird will now be tested at a Government laboratory to see whether it died from the potentially deadly H5N1 strain of the virus.

• Meanwhile, in order to address welfare concerns, the Government's Chief Veterinary Officer, Debby Reynolds, has stated that if any cull of birds does become necessary in the event of a widespread outbreak it will be carried out by "competent, trained operators" acting under veterinary supervision.