A warning has gone out not to touch dead birds after more seabirds were found to have died along the coast from a confirmed outbreak of bird flu in Cornwall.

Two dead gannets and a third sick one have been found at Portheras Cove today, close to Pendeen and Morvah in West Cornwall.

It is just along the coast from Mousehole Wild Bird Hospital, which confirmed today that samples from birds in its hospital had been found positive for 'highly pathogenic avian influenza', more commonly known as bird flu.

Defra has confirmed that a 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone has been put in place around the premises, and affected birds will be humanely culled.

READ MORE:

There have been further reports of dead and ill gannets on the Isles of Scilly, and The Friends of Portheras Cove has now posted on Facebook this afternoon to say: "Two dead gannets and one very poorly one were on Portheras today.

"There is a possibility that we are seeing cases of bird flu here in the far west now (the disease has been rife in Scotland and other areas of the UK and has been spreading southwards of late).

"Although the risk to humans is low, we can inadvertently spread the disease to other birds, and there have been cases reported in dogs, too."

They urged people to follow this advice:

• Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds.

• Keep dogs and other pets away from any dead or sick birds.

• Do not feed wild waterfowl.

• Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with droppings.

The group added: "Our local wildlife volunteers are monitoring and reporting sightings, but with limited resources and a large area to cover we do appreciate everyone's help in identifying potential cases.

"We would urge anyone finding dead or injured birds in this area to report any directly to Defra’s national helpline on 03459 335577."