Bird flu Wild Bird Control Area

The disease was confirmed on Friday (February 29) in a Canada goose at the Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset.

The case was the eleventh recorded since the outbreak began in January and was the first time it had been discovered outside of the mute swan population.

As a result, Defra has decided to reinstate the Wild Bird Control Area which was rescinded on February 19.

The Control Area covers a 3km radius from the wild bird location, extending to take account of the location of local bird reserves and the presence of wild bird populations along the Dorset coastline

Inside the Control Area, Defra will be carrying out a veterinary inspection of all commercial poultry premises.

Poultry keepers within the zone will not be able move poultry, captive birds or hatching eggs without a license.

Hunting of wild birds is also banned as well as bird gatherings and the release of game birds.

The Control Area, which will stay in place for at least 21 days, is surrounded by a wider 10km Monitoring Area.

Defra has said that further cases of the disease would not be unexpected and is continuing its monitoring and surveillance programme in the area.

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