More test results are expected to confirm today the spread of the bird flu outbreak in north Wales. A total of 12 people are so far thought to have contracted the avian flu virus.

It was discovered at a farm in Corwen last week. The disease is the “very mild” H7N2 strain rather than the more virulent H5N1 variety.

It is thought to have spread from infected chickens which were traded at the Chelford Market in Cheshire two weeks ago.

The 15 Rhode Island Red chickens were bought at the market by the farm’s owners but they later all died.

A further 30 birds have now been slaughtered in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.

Restrictions were put on a second farm in the Llyn Peninsula, around 45 miles from the Corwen property, due to links with the Chelford Market.

A dozen schoolchildren and two members of staff at Ysgol Henllan primary school near the Corwen farm have been offered courses of anti-flu drug Tamiflu after one of the pupils is thought to have contracted the virus.

The child lives at a neighbouring property to the farm and the staff and pupils receiving treatment had all been in close proximity to the youngster.

Health Officials said the child was responding well to treatment and was being cared for at home.

None of those thought to be infected are seriously ill.

Health officials could not rule out the possibility that the disease had spread from person to person and stressed inquiries were ongoing.