A TOTAL of nine dead swans have now been found at a Dorset bird reserve, where cases of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus have already been confirmed.

The corpses of three infected birds were discovered at the open reserve behind Chesil Beach on December 27, 31 and January 4. Two dead swans were found last Tuesday and four more on Friday.

The latest discoveries have been submitted for testing at the Veterinary Laboratories Agency in Weybridge, Surrey, and results are expected to be announced over the weekend.

But John Houston, general manager of Abbotsbury Tourism Limited, is trying to remain optimistic, pointing out that an average of 20 or 30 swans usually die each January, so the current death rate was lower than usual.

He said one of the latest fatalities, picked up found at Little Bredy, three miles from Abbotsbury, six days ago, is thought to have hit a power line.

"It's not unusual for birds to die in the winter of natural causes. If fact there are fewer dying at the moment than usual because it's quite warm. Until I hear otherwise, I'm going to assume the best," he said.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has set up restrictions on captive birds and a zone in which wild birds will be closely monitored. The area extends to just west of Lulworth and includes the town of Dorchester.