Bird flu has been confirmed in England for the first time this winter, and officials have issued a warning to anyone who keeps birds.

So far, it has only been found in 17 birds in Dorset, but because the infected birds were wild, the disease could spread to elsewhere in the country.

Public Health England has said this poses no threat to humans, but the government has outlined the threat this poses to the UK's bird population.

UK chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said: "This is the first time avian flu has been identified in the UK this winter and while the disease does not represent a threat to the public, it is highly infectious and deadly to birds.

"As the virus has been circulating across Europe, this finding has not come as a surprise. But it is vital that anyone who keeps birds - whether a few in a back garden or thousands on a farm - is vigilant for any signs of disease, reports suspect disease to APHA and maintains good biosecurity to reduce the risk of their birds becoming infected."

The government's latest advice to increase biosecurity can be found here.

There are currently no plans to cull bird populations.