The Zambian government has said test results from samples of some dead wild birds in Livingstone, capital of Southern province, are avian influenza negative, The Post newspaper reported Friday.

Christina Chisembele, epidemiologist with the Ministry of Agriculture, was quoted as saying here Thursday that the test results indicate that the birds do not die of bird flu.

However, Chisembele could not give more details and said the permanent secretary of the ministry will issue a statement on the issue.

Chisembele reiterated the government appeal to people to remain calm.

More than 40 wild birds were found dead early this week in Livingstone near the famous Victoria Falls shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Four birds were found dead in Lusaka Thursday triggering off new fear of possible bird flu outbreak in the southern African country.