Two cases of the H5N1 strain of avian flu have been confirmed in Germany.


Following tests on two dead swans, German Agriculture Minister Horst Seehofer told a news conference: “We have a very strong suspicion that both swans have been infected with H5N1.”


The dead swans were found in the Baltic Sea island of Rugen and samples are now on their way to the UK where testing at the European reference laboratory should provide definitive results shortly.


Seehofer also said he would be brining forward a ban on keeping poultry out of doors in Germany to Friday.