Sweden tests dead mink found in bird flu area

STOCKHOLM, March 3 (Reuters) Swedish authorities said here today that they were testing a dead mink for bird flu after it was brought in from an area where two wild ducks were found with the suspected H5N1 virus this week.

The dead mink and the birds were found near the southeastern coastal town of Oskarshamn.

''There was one mink also found at the same location where we found the positives,'' Marianne Elvander of the National Veterinary Institute said.

''There are no suspicisions, but it is just for our information, we are just checking it out.'' Authorities are searching an area on the outskirts of Oskarshamn for more dead birds.

They are expected to announce later on Friday the results of tests on an additional 20 birds found in the area.

REUTERS SHB RN1514