DEFRA has confirmed that three dead wild mute swans in the Chesil Beach area in Dorset have tested positive for the H5N1 highly pathogenic strain of avian flu.

The birds were found and tested following routine surveillance.

A Wild Bird Control Area and Monitoring Area have been established around the premises, encompassing Chesil Beach and Portland Bill.

Inside these areas, bird keepers are required to house their birds or otherwise isolate them from contact with wild birds. Bird movements are restricted and bird gatherings are banned.

No disease has been found in domestic birds, and a programme of surveillance is being carried out in the local wild bird population.

There will be no culling of wild birds because such action may disperse birds further and would not aid control.

Acting chief veterinary officer Fred Landeg said: "While this is obviously unwelcome news, we have always said that Britain is at a constant low level of risk of introduction of avian influenza.

“Our message to all bird keepers, particularly those in the area, is that they must be vigilant, report any signs of disease immediately, and practice the highest levels of biosecurity."

A full epidemiological investigation is underway.

All poultry keepers on the GB Poultry Register are being notified, and the EU Commission has been informed.