There has been a confirmed case of Avian Influenza, or bird flu, near Dorchester.

Letters have been sent to all households within a 3km area to register details of poultry or captive birds and to remind bird keepers of the special measures that are in place. This area includes Broadmayne, West Stafford, south Dorchester. 

People who do not keep birds can disregard the letter.

The 3km is known as a Disease Control Zone. Bird keepers must take special measures now to heighten biosecurity and keep birds safe from the disease and prevent further spread.

Full details on the restrictions are available online.

If poultry or other captive birds are being kept, then bird keepers are being asked to record details of them by using one of the options below:

Option 1 – By completing this form

Option 2 - Contact Dorset Council by calling 01305 221000

These details will be passed onto the Animal and Plant Health Agency to help their veterinary staff to assess the risk of avian influenza spread. 

They may contact or visit the address to carry out a visual inspection of the birds to assess their health. They will be in touch if they need to do this.

The risk to public health from the virus is very low. However, it is important that people don't pick up sick or dead birds.

You can report dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds such as gulls or birds of prey, by calling the Defra helpline 03459 335577 (option 7).