A bird flu outbreak has been confirmed near Dorchester.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) revealed that the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1strain has been discovered at a premises near Dorchester keeping captive birds.

Dorset Echo:

  • A protection zone is in place Picture: DEFRA 

A protection zone of 3km (1.8 miles) is in place south-east of the town covering villages including Sutton Poyntz and Broadmayne.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "The APHA confirmed that they have found avian influenza in captive birds at a premises near Dorchester, West Dorset. A 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone has been declared around the premises.

"The public should adhere to any signs restricting access and continue to follow guidance.

"The APHA are the lead agency for this matter. Dorset Council officers will be supporting them by enforcing restrictions in the controlled area and assisting with further surveillance measures."

READ: Measure to keep all poultry inside to tackle bird flu comes into force

All of the birds will be humanely culled.

The current outbreak of avian flu is the biggest on record in the UK, there have been 139 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 since 1 October 2022:

  • 126 cases in England
  • 9 cases in Scotland
  • 3 cases in Wales
  • 1 case in Northern Ireland

Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, said: "We are seeing a growing number of bird flu cases on commercial farms and in backyard birds across the country driven by high levels of disease within wild birds. Unfortunately we expect the number of cases to continue to rise over the coming months as migratory birds return to the UK, bringing with them further risk of disease that can spread into our kept flocks.

"We’re taking action already by implementing a national Avian Influenza Prevention Zones and housing order, but it is important that all bird keepers – wherever they are in the country – ensure that cleanliness and hygiene are at the forefront of their minds to keep their flocks safe and limit the impact of the outbreak."