A BIRD flu prevention zone in place around Weymouth after an outbreak in the Fleet has now been declared across the whole of England.

Last week 17 wild birds tested positive in the Fleet near Abbotsbury Swannery - and now a total of 31 infected birds have now been identified at that site.

It has now emerged that 13 dead wild birds were confirmed to have the virus in Warwickshire.

As these latest results show the disease is not isolated to a single site, the decision has been taken by Defra to extend the prevention zone across the country on a precautionary basis.

The strict biosecurity measures which bird keepers had to follow in the Weymouth prevention zone now applies to all keepers in Dorset and the rest of England.

Testing of the birds found in Warwickshire is ongoing, however, it is highly expected that this will be the same H5N6 strain of the virus which has been circulating in wild birds across Europe in recent months.

Public Health England has advised the risk to public health remains very low and the Food Standards Agency says that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said: “Following the latest finding of bird flu in wild birds in Warwickshire, we are extending our action to help prevent the virus spreading to poultry and other domestic birds.

“Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, you are now legally required to meet enhanced biosecurity requirements and this is in your interests to do, to protect your birds from this highly infectious virus.”

The prevention zone means bird keepers across the country must:

• Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources;

• Feed and water your birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds

• Minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures;

• Clean and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy;

• Reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas.

Keepers with more than 500 birds will also be required to take some extra biosecurity measures including restricting access to non-essential people, changing clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and cleaning and disinfecting vehicles.

The prevention zone will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review as part of work to monitor the threat of bird flu.

Meanwhile, the RSPCA is encouraging people with backyard flocks to keep a close eye on their birds.

Mia Fernyhough, hen welfare expert at the RSPCA said: “Keeping hens has become more and more popular in recent years so it’s really important that owners keep a really close eye on their hens during this time and seek advice from their vet if they are at all concerned."

The British Hen Welfare Trust says it welcomes the measures being put in place - and emphasises that these apply to all backyard flock keepers, whether you have two hens or 20.

A spokesman for the charity said: "The news is not cause for alarm, but it is a reason to up your biosecurity measures at home.

"All our booked re-homing events will still be taking place as planned, albeit with heightened biosecurity measures in place.

"If you are collecting hens please ensure you where appropriate footwear for boot dipping." 

Poultry keepers and members of the public should report dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 and keepers should report suspicion of disease to APHA on 03000 200 301.

Further avian influenza advice, including how to spot the disease, is available on gov.uk.

There are no plans to carry out any culls or put movement restrictions in place.