DOG owners are being asked to keep their dogs on leads in the Milford area in Salisbury after a case of bird flu was detected in the area.

Bird flu is an infectious type of influenza that affects birds and, in some cases, can even affect humans.

It can spread to humans if they touch a dead bird, its droppings or bedding, or kill or prepare infected birds to eat.

Wiltshire Trading Standards said a positive case of H5N1 avian influenza was detected in a dead mute swan.

The information was submitted to the Animal and Plant Health Agency as part of their dead wild bird surveillance scheme.

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A Wiltshire Trading Standards spokesperson said: “We are reminding birdkeepers to exercise good biosecurity practices and for members of the public to remain vigilant.

“Avian influenza virus can affect mammals, including dogs. If your pet is sick, tell your vet if it has been in contact with wild birds.”

Other advice includes keeping dogs to footpaths, not feeding wild waterfowl, and not touching wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings.

Anyone who finds any dead wild birds is asked to report it online at www.gov.uk/guidance/removing-and-disposing-of-dead-wild-birds

For more advice about bird flu, visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bird-flu/