Bird flu has been confirmed in Dorset.

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 have been confirmed in commercial poultry near Pokesdown, Bournemouth.

Temporary Control Zones of 3km (4.8 miles) and 10km (6.2 miles) have been put in force around an area centred on Castlemain Avenue.

This is the first outbreak in the south west during the resurgence of the disease that began in October.

Bird flu has been confirmed in captive birds and commercial and non-commercial poultry in Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Essex, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Cumbria, Cheshire and Norfolk.

READ MORE: Bird flu: Strict biosecurity measures now COMPULSORY for all poultry keepers

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) was declared across the whole of the country on November 3 to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading.

It is now a legal requirement for all bird keepers in the UK to follow strict biosecurity measures.

Keepers with more than 500 birds will need to restrict access for non-essential people on their sites, workers will need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and site vehicles will need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

READ MORE: How to help protect chickens from bird flu

Backyard owners with smaller numbers of poultry including chickens, ducks and geese must also take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their animals.

Avian influenza circulates naturally in wild birds and when they migrate to the UK from mainland Europe over the winter they can spread the disease to poultry and other captive birds.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low.