Hampshire: Penguins at Marwell Zoo die due to bird flu

Penguins at a Hampshire zoo have died after testing positive for avian flu.

Marwell Zoo, near Colden Common, said "a number" of the birds had died, but it remained open to the public and was working to ensure all necessary measures were in place.

The (HPAI) H5N1 strain was confirmed near Highclere and Colden Common on Monday, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

A 3km (1.86 mile) monitoring zone has been set up around both premises.

In a statement Marwell Zoo said guests would be unable to access the Energy For Life: Tropical House and walkthrough aviaries at the site in order to help keep other birds safe.

The flamingos at the zoo have instead been brought under a covered area of their enclosure.

Precautions including foot dips for guests will continue to be in place while investigations are ongoing, the zoo said.

A national housing order was introduced across England on 7 November making it a legal requirement to house flocks.

There have been 140 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in the UK since 1 October 2022.

Avian flu is spread by close contact with an infected bird, whether it is dead or alive.

About half of the 1.3 million free range turkeys produced for Christmas have died or been culled due to bird flu.

Some 2.3 million birds have died or been culled since October, according to Defra, which is expected to affect egg production.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].