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THE restrictions put into effect following the discovery of bird flu in Dorset earlier this year have been lifted.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced on Thursday that it had ended the wild bird monitoring area and associated restrictions.

Bird flu in its deadly H5N1 strain was confirmed at the Abbotsbury swannery on January 10 and so far 11 dead birds in the area have tested positive for the virus.

It is 30 days since collection of the last bird with avian influenza, but experts say the infection may still be found in the area or elsewhere in the country.

Bill Jaggs, head of Dorset County Council regulatory service, said of Defra's announcement: "This is good news and will be a relief for poultry keepers within the zone.

"The requirement to house or otherwise keep poultry separate from wild birds was a necessary burden and lifting this restriction will be of great benefit. That said, given the constant disease risk , I would urge all bird keepers in Dorset to remain vigilant for signs of the disease and maintain good biosecurity practice."

7:42pm Thursday 27th March 2008

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