A CASE of bird flu has been detected in the Test Valley.

Hampshire County Council raised the alarm over a case of "highly pathogenic" avian influenza, H5N1, and said it had been detected near Romsey.

The county council wrote the post on Monday, March 31 and reposted a post made by the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

The blue ring is the 3km Protection Zone and the black ring is the 10km Surveillance Zone (Image: DEFRA) The agency said: "Two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 have been confirmed at a premises near Lazonby, Westmorland and Furness, Cumbria and a premises near Romsey, Test Valley, Hampshire. Various restrictions now apply."

It continued: "All bird keepers in these areas must keep their birds housed to protect them from bird flu. This applies to pet birds, commercial flocks and just a few birds in a backyard flock. 

"All bird keepers should remain vigilant and follow the housing and stringent biosecurity measures in addition to following any Protection/Surveillance Zone restrictions in their area to prevent future outbreaks."

According to the agency, an "Avian Influenza Prevention Zone" (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures remains in force across Great Britain with additional mandatory housing measures in force in the following areas:

  • Cheshire;
  • City of Kingston Upon Hull;
  • Herefordshire;
  • The East Riding of Yorkshire;
  • Lancashire;
  • Lincolnshire;
  • Merseyside;
  • Norfolk;
  • North Yorkshire;
  • An area in Shropshire;
  • Suffolk;
  • Worcestershire;
  • York.

If you want advice on what to do, here is some from the government and it can be found at AI - Protection Zone and Surveillance Zone - declaration