New case of H5N1 found in Dorset

The highly pathogenic form of H5N1 avian flu has been found in another wild bird in Dorset, three weeks after the previous case was found.

The disease was confirmed today (Friday, February 29) in a Canada goose collected on February 25 in the Wild Bird Monitoring Area in Dorset as part of the wild bird surveillance programme in place.

The bird was found less than a kilometre from where the previous positive cases in swans were collected.

It becomes the 11th wild bird to be confirmed with highly pathogenic H5N1 in the area. The previous 10 cases were in wild mute swans, with the last case being confirmed on February 4.

Defra stressed that the finding of more cases in wild birds was 'not unexpected'. The Department said it was currently considering whether any additional restrictions were necessary in the area.

Following cases found in wild birds on January 10, a Wild Bird Control Area and a wider Wild Bird Monitoring Area were put in place around the area where disease was confirmed.

The Wild Bird Control Area was revoked on February 19, and now forms part of the Wild Bird Monitoring Area.

In a statement Defra said: "Poultry keepers in the area are reminded of the need to comply with existing restrictions including the requirement to house or otherwise keep separate their birds from wild birds, and remain vigilant for signs of disease, reporting any suspicions immediately."