27 January 2008 -- Defra has now confirmed that a sixth mute swan has tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza.

The bird was one of several collected on 21 January as part of wild bird surveillance in the area of Dorset.

They said: "This is 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. Live swans were also sampled on the premises and all results are negative."

Ironically this announcement from Defra came just as restrictions of poultry movement were lifted.

"As of 3pm on 25 January, 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. Movement restrictions in the Wild Bird Control Area remain in place."

But movement restrictions in the wild bird control area remain in place.

The first three cases of bird flu were identified at the sanctuary on 10 January but Defra said this sixth case was "not unexpected".

Workers at the sanctuary have been given a course of the anti-viral drug Tamiflu as a precaution. The swannery is part of an area of wetland recognised to be of international importance.