Cases of bird flu have been detected in East Devon, prompting a warning to the public.

So far this year, 13 cases of bird flu, or avian influenza, have been identified in the region, affecting 23 wild birds.

The public have been asked not to touch any dead or injured birds they come across.

Bird flu cases in Devon include 5 birds (3 findings) in East Devon, including mute swans and herring gulls There have been 17 affected birds in Mid Devon, and 1 herring gull was found by Devon County Council. In Cornwall there have been 11 cases.

Several dead birds have been found washed up on Devon's beaches, including one in Exmouth. The birds were collected by East Devon District Council (EDDC) officers who then informed DEFRA (Department for the Environment and Rural Affairs).

The risk to the public is very low, but EDDC have issued the following advice:

If you find any sick or injured birds:

• Do not touch or pick them up.
• Do not touch bird droppings.
• Keep dogs away from them.

Please report the bird to EDDC, who will collect and dispose of the bird.

EDDC will then report the finding to DEFRA if there is one or more dead bird of prey or owl, three or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks) or five or more dead birds of any species.

In addition, there are a number of 'disease control zones' in Devon, which are activated when avian influenza is confirmed or suspected in poultry or other captive birds. These are located in a number of locations across the region, including Tiverton and Cullompton.

Finally, East Devon, North Devon, Exeter and Mid Devon and other areas are now covered by a regional Avian Influenza Protection Zone.