Seven dead birds discovered near two lakes in southern Germany tested positive for the H5N1 bird flu virus, media reported Sunday.

The dead birds were found in two Bavarian lakes, which were cordoned off after the find, the first cases in the country this year.

People were asked to stay away from waterfowl after the five swans, one duck and one goose all tested positive for the H5N1 virus, German media said.

Bird flu was found last year in northern Germany.

Earlier this month it was reported in the Czech Republic and found elsewhere in Europe at the beginning of this year.

Source: Xinhua