Dolphin in Devon found infected with bird flu in February

The government confirmed yesterday that the dolphin had been found between February 20 - 26. It was infected with the H5 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The same week another dolphin with bird flu was found in Pembrokeshire. This was one was infected with the H5N1 strain of HPAI.

This brings the total of mammals known to have contracted bird flu since December 2021 to 23.

In December two foxes in Cornwall were found with bird flu.

Over the past few months hundreds of dolphoins have in the water off Falmouth taking advantage of large shoals of fish in the sea.

The footage shows a large number of dolphins breaching the water off Falmouth in January (Image: @emilylucyphotography)

This year there have been six mammals confirmed to have bird flu - two red foxes in Powys and Perth and Kinross, a harbour porpoise in East Riding, an otter in Shropshire and the two dolphins in Devon and Pembrokeshire.

The animals are believed to have eaten dead wild birds that were infected with the virus.

READ MORE: Foxes in Cornwall found with bird flu - what are the risks to people?

In February a spokesperson for the Animal and Plant Health Agency said that the UK is still “a long way” from being in a situation where bird flu could infect humans and spread in a similar way to Covid-19.

Bird flu is a notifiable disease in poultry and other captive birds. If you suspect the disease in poultry or other captive birds, you should report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301 in England, 03003 038 268 if you’re in Wales or the local Field Services Office in Scotland.