Bird flu: is nightmare at an end? (From Thisisdorset)

Bird flu: is nightmare at an end?

10:03am Tuesday 19th February 2008 in News By Ian McDonald

ABBOTSBURY Swannery workers are quietly confident their bird flu nightmare could soon be over.

No dead swans have tested positive for the lethal strain of the H5N1 virus at the reserve for three weeks.

An announcement from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on the lifting of bird restrictions is now expected this week.

Swannery manager John Houston said staff are crossing their fingers they will be able to open for business as normal next month.

"It's very encouraging," he said. "We're not out of the woods just yet but it hopefully it won't be too much longer now."

A 20-kilometre control zone was introduced following the bird flu outbreak in January.

“It’s looking reasonably positive now and we’re crossing our fingers."

John Houston

Bird movements have been restricted since and nine mute swans at Abbotsbury have tested positive for the disease.

Mr Houston said the last was on January 29 - meaning the swannery could soon be in the clear.

He said: "No dead swans have tested positive for a while now. Obviously swans have died in the interim but in the winter that's normal.

"Less swans have actually died this February because it's been so warm. In that respect it's been a very good month."

Mr Houston said Defra could consider lifting restrictions now 21 days have passed since the last positive test.

"We'll have to see what their take on it is," he said. "Because that timescale isn't set in stone.

"It's looking reasonably positive now and we're crossing our fingers.

"But we could still get another swan testing positive. That would put the whole process back again."

Mr Houston said swannery staff were still planning to open for the public on March 15.

He said: "It's still in the lap of the gods and it's too early to be sure but it's looking good.

"It would be tremendous if we could. It would be even better if the swans have become immune to this disease.

"Then we can all look forward with confidence and without worry."

Nicky Ives, who runs a free-range egg business at Vurlands Farm in nearby Swyre, is also hoping the outbreak is over.

She had to lock up 6,000 chickens when bird flu hit.

"We're really looking forward to the end of it all," she said.

"Now the weather's nicer the chickens are getting frantic, they're looking to get outside.

"Luckily our egg sales haven't been affected. Our customers have been very loyal."

A Defra spokesman said the situation at Abbotsbury was still being monitored.

She added: "There's been no shrinking of the restriction zones just yet but it's definitely on the cards.

"For now the restrictions are still in place but there should be an announcement this week."