A PROTECTION zone has been put in place after avian flu was confirmed at a commercial poultry farm near Teignmouth yesterday (February 19).

The Animal and Plant Health Agency's (APHA) finding means all birds on the premises have to be culled.

A 3km (1.9 mile) protection zone and 10km (6.2 mile) surveillance zone has been declared around the premises.

APHA bird flu zone in force in Teignbridge
The avian flu control zone in Teignbridge (APHA)

Anyone keeping poultry or other captive birds within the two zones must keep birds housed and a record of all people who enter or leave the property.

The restrictions also apply to a 10km (6.2 mile) surveillance zone.

Across England it is currently mandatory to keep ducks and geese separate from other birds and to keep a record of bird movements, deaths and eggs.

Farmers must also clean bird housing, equipment, vehicles and footwear and try and prevent contact between their flocks and wild birds and rodents.

It is extremely rare for bird flu to spread to humans.