“HIGHLY pathogenic” bird flu has been confirmed near Bridgwater.

H5N1 – a highly-contagious variant of bird flu – was discovered in a “non-commercial backyard flock” near the Somerset town on December 29, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed.

Now, a 3km controlled zone has been put in place around the premises, with all affected birds set to be “humanely culled”, the government body said.

The implementation of the zone means any premises where poultry and other captive birds are kept must maintain records of visitors – including times, dates, and contact details – who come into contact with the animals, as well as records detailing any poultry entering or leaving the premises.

Owners are also required to report any “increased morbidity or mortality or significant drop in egg production”, as well as feed or water intake and any other information to authorities.

Movement of produce, such as eggs, must also be recorded by bird owners, with birds also prevented from contact with other animals, with vehicles used to move them thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in a bid to prevent transmission.

The controlled zone – with a 3km radius – is centred on the Dunwear area of Bridgwater.

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