French authorities say two dead swans have tested positive for the H5N1 strain of bird flu in northeastern France. It is the second outbreak of the deadly virus in the area in recent weeks.
The swans were found Sunday in an area bordering Germany and Luxembourg, about 10 kilometers from the site where three other swans died of bird flu earlier this month. That outbreak was the first in France in more than a year.
Authorities have raised the bird flu alert level in the area. Residents are required to lock up their domestic birds and poultry or surround them with nets to prevent contact with wild birds that may carry the virus.
World health statistics show the H5N1 strain has killed 192 people globally since outbreaks in Asia in 2003. No human deaths have been reported in Europe.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
