Warning as bird flu found in dead swans

A warning has been issued by a council after bird flu was confirmed in several swans found dead on the outskirts of Dorchester.

The swans were found in Fordington near a public footpath popular with dog walkers.

Dorset Council said it was working with the landowner and government agencies to reduce any risk to the public with the area being monitored and warning signs set to be placed on nearby footpaths.

Residents and visitors to the area are being asked not to touch any dead or sick birds, to keep dogs on leads and stick to the footpaths.

Dorset Council has urged anyone who finds dead wild waterfowl - swans, geese or ducks - or other dead wild birds such as gulls or birds of prey to report it to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) .

Avian influenza mainly affects birds and can spread through contact with infected birds or their droppings.

England is in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ).

By law strict biosecurity and hygiene rules must be followed to stop bird flu spreading.