Six swans found dead in the north and northeast of Greece have tested positive for the H5 strain of bird flu, but further tests at a British laboratory will determine whether it is lethal H5N1, the Agriculture Ministry said on Friday.

Samples from the swans, discovered in the prefectures of Evros, Xanthi and Imathia, will be sent to the European Union's laboratory in Weybridge, England, for more detailed analysis, the ministry said.

Greece has already confirmed 16 cases of H5N1, all in wild birds, and taken appropriate measures to combat the virus.

Meanwhile, a 21-year-old Afghan immigrant who swam from Turkey has been hospitalized on the eastern Greek island of Mytilene after developing bird flu-like symptoms, local reports said.

The Afghan has been placed under separate medical supervision. Results on fluid samples sent to the capital of Athens on Friday will be available in 2-3 days.

(Source: Xinhua)