A third outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed in Devon.

Poultry near Dartington, South Hams were found to have contracted highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in poultry on October 24.

The poultry will be culled and a 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone were declared around the premises.

These disease control zones are put in place around the infected premises to prevent the spread of the disease. Within these zones a range of restrictions on the movement of poultry and material associated with their keeping can apply.

Bird flu was confirmed in commercial ducks near Dartington last month and in poultry at a premises near Torpoint, with the prevention zone extending across Plymouth.

A mandatory housing order for all poultry and captive birds has been declared across the UK as bird flu continues its deadly spread.

It is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the disease. 

The government has confirmed 73 cases of bird flu in poultry and captive birds in England since the start of October, with the majority being in Norfolk.

The current bird flu epidemic began on October 27 last year and since then there have been 207 cases of HPAI H5N1 in England.

Defra considers the risk to poultry with stringent biosecurity increased to medium (with high uncertainty). However, the risk to poultry exposure to HPAI H5 in Great Britain with suboptimal biosecurity has been increased to high (with low uncertainty), in light of the increased number of infected premises observed since the start of October and the increased number of wild birds (not colony breeding sea birds) found dead and testing positive at some distance from the coast.

All poultry gatherings, including at fairs, shows and markets, remain banned, due to a large number of flocks mixing together and the risk posed by any infections spreading across the country.

Avian flu is a notifiable disease. if you suspect any type of bird flu in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.