CASES of Avian Bird Flu have been confirmed in wild birds in the Fordington area of Dorchester.

What has been described as "a small number" of dead swans have been found in the area, the carcasses collected and tested with a positive result.

Officials say Dorset remains free of reported cases in kept or commercial poultry so far and is reminding those who keep birds to follow biosecurity guidelines to minimise any spread.

The public are being asked not to touch any dead or sick birds and to keep dogs on leads in the areas where cases have been reported.

Posters warning of the dangers and precautions to take are being prepared for the area, which includes a public footpath popular with dog walkers.

Much of the land in the area is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall estate.

Defra say H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (AVI) can spread to people, although cases are extremely rare.

Dorset Trading Standards are working with Emergency Planning, Rights of Way and Public Health colleagues in case any further carcasses are discovered.

Dorset Council say it is the landowner's responsibility to dispose of wild bird carcasses safely and in line with government guidance although if birds are on public land owned by the council it will be Dorset Council's responsibility to collect.

A council spokesperson said: "We will ask the landowner, with support from our Rights of Way team, to put posters up in the local area to prevent members of the public touching sick or dead birds to avoid the spread of AVI. There are public rights of way across that location which are popular with dog walkers."

Public guidance and posters are available at: Bird flu (avian influenza): how to prevent it and stop it spreading – GOV.UK

The guidance includes – Keeping to footpaths, keeping dogs on leads, not feeding birds, not picking up or touching dead or sick wild birds, not touching bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with droppings.

Those who keep poultry or other birds should wash their hands and clean and disinfect footwear before tending to their birds.

Dead birds should be reported to the animal and plant health agency on 03459 335577.