Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 583: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the length of time an injured swan was left on a roadside in Dublin before receiving treatment; if the swan was tested for avian flu; if so, the date on which it was tested; if the collision of the swan with a Luas tram could have been caused by illness or weakness of the bird; if the blood at the scene was removed in a safe manner; if so, when; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15025/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The matter referred to by the Deputy was reported to my Department through the avian influenza helpline around midday on Sunday morning, 9 April, when a call for assistance was received from the Garda Síochána which indicated that the bird's injuries arose from a collision with a Luas tram. It is important to understand that my Department does not have a function in the collection and treatment of wild birds injured in this way.

The swan was brought alive by a member of the Garda to the UCD Veterinary College, pet emergency hospital, and euthanised there on welfare grounds. Tests for avian influenza were subsequently carried out at the Department's central veterinary research laboratory and were completed on 13 April with negative results. I have no information with regard to the details of the scene of the accident.

I emphasise that my Department's function in wild birds involves the collection and testing of dead birds of certain limited species such as waterfowl in the context of surveillance for avian influenza as these pose the greatest threat of the introduction of the disease.