BRITAIN was today on a high alert over the possible spread of avian flu to the UK as tests continued on a number of birds found dead in recent days.
One of the birds was found in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.
A Defra spokesman said nine swans had been sent for tests over the weekend after members of the public called the helpline.
Two each were from Bury St Edmonds, Winchester and Preston, while individual birds were found in Shrewsbury, Thirsk and Hertfordshire.
"All the tests have so far been negative but testing continues," he said. "We are at a heightened level of surveillance given the case in France."
