Council puts bird flu protection zone in place

Reports of avian flu have been confirmed in Dorset.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) said it is seeing reports of bird flu among wild and captive birds in the area.

A 3 kilometer (2 miles) controlled zone is now in place to help prevent the spread of the disease.

The authorities are urging "all keepers of birds, including poultry, inside and outside of the zone must register them to help prevent the spread of disease."

Rob Carroll, Director of Public Health and Communities at BCP Council, said: "The Council is aware of a small number of confirmed avian flu cases in wild and captive birds in the BCP area.

"We are working alongside the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to help prevent the spread of disease.

"While the risk to human health is low, members of the public should not touch dead or sick birds, and should report sightings of dead wild birds directly to DEFRA."

He said: "To help contain the outbreak, the government has implemented a 3km controlled zone locally.

"Keepers of birds and poultry inside this zone should familiarise themselves with temporary measures and restrictions in place, whilst anyone who keeps birds - regardless of their location - should ensure they are registered."

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