Bird flu found in poultry at a premises near Exmouth

Protective measures have been introduced after cases of a serious strain of bird flu were found near Exmouth.

Defra said on Tuesday, December 29 that the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N8 had been confirmed in backyard poultry at the premises.

All the birds will be humanely culled and a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone has been declared around the premises.

The H5N8 strain is the same one that killed 11 swans and cygnets in Dawlish in November. It has been found in 10 other locations in England this month.

The Protection Zone covers an area around the A3052 on the way towards Exmouth.

For full details of the restrictions that apply in the Protection Zone and Surveillance zone, visit Defra's information document.

Advice on preventing bird flu, how to spot the signs of it and what to do if you suspect a case can be found on the Defra website.