RESULTS of tests on five birds at the centre of a nationwide bird flu scare are expected later today.

Hopes rose last night that a dead swan found in Fife, which was confirmed on Thursday as Britain's first case of the deadly H5N1 strain, could be a one-off after tests on other bird carcasses proved negative.

Of 14 dead birds found in Scotland, where a 1,000-square mile quarantine zone has been imposed, nine have so far received the all-clear.

Laboratory tests on six bird carcasses found in Northern Ireland also tested negative last night.

Government scientists in Weybridge, Surrey, are expected to announce the results from five other dead birds found in Scotland later today.

A Scottish Executive spokesman said: "We will probably reveal the results on the other five carcasses today. But because there are lots of dead birds now being tested, after that we will only reveal if we get a positive test result and then action will be taken."

Three dead seagulls found in Gloucester are also being tested, although officials stressed the likelihood of the birds having had avian influenza was minimal.

A deluge of bird carcasses is being reported by members of the public and laboratories will remain open all weekend to cope with the carcasses.

The eight Scottish Agricultural College Veterinary Disease Centres said the number of dead birds being reported had "increased substantially".

Scotland became the UK's front line in the fight against bird flu after a native swan found more than a week ago on a harbour slipway in the coastal Fife village of Cellardyke was found to be infected with the strain of the virus which can kill humans.

A wild bird risk area covering 965 square miles has been put in place in eastern Scotland.

There are 175 registered poultry premises with more 3.1m birds within the exclusion zone.