A deadly bird flu strain has sparked a lockdown near Wells after a major poultry site was hit by an outbreak.

The highly pathogenic H5N1 virus was confirmed at a large commercial farm near Ashcott, triggering an immediate 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone around the area.

The alert means strict movement bans, biosecurity checks and housing orders for all bird keepers in the affected zone — with officials warning the virus poses a serious risk to poultry and wild birds.

Defra has urged all poultry owners to follow the rules and stay vigilant. Housing measures remain in force across England and Wales, alongside national biosecurity laws across Great Britain.

Anyone who keeps birds, from major farms to backyard flocks, must take action to prevent the spread.

The public is being told not to touch dead birds and to report them to authorities immediately.

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