BIRD flu cases have been confirmed near Eastleigh and a protection zone has been put in place.

The Department for Environmental Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has written to residents across Eastleigh, Bishopstoke, Bishop's Waltham, and Hedge End following confirmed cases of bird flu.

In a letter seen by the Daily Echo, Defra has confirmed that the strain in this outbreak is a "low risk to human health", but is highly pathogenic for birds.

This means birds can catch and spread the disease easily.

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A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone has been put in place around the premises.

All birds on the infected premises will be humanely culled.

Eastleigh, Bishopstoke, Bishop's Waltham, and Hedge End are inside the 10km Surveillance Zone, and Lower Upham, Upham and Horton Heath are inside the 3km Protection Zone.

Residents are being urged to report any dead birds they may come across including swans, geese and ducks, or gulls and birds of prey.

They can do this by ringing the Defra helpline on 03459 335577.