A CONTROLLED zone imposed following the outbreak of Avian flu in Dawlish has been lifted, it has been confirmed.

The 3km captive bird monitoring controlled zone was imposed by Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency in November last year.

It followed the discovery of the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 in a small group of ornamental birds in the town.

The controlled zone was declared on November 15.

Following confirmation of the disease, about 50 ornamental birds which had been in the aviary in Dawlish town centre had to be humanely culled.

Now Defra says: ‘Following successful completion of disease control activities and surveillance within the zone, the captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been revoked.’

The decision to cull the birds was made in strict accordance with legislation and animal health guidance.

Several birds in the aviary alongside the Brook, as well as some of the town’s iconic black swans which died, had tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1).

The town council was officially notified of the disease by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Following confirmation of the disease, the birds in the aviary which include varieties of geese including African and Chinese, as well as Call Ducks, Bahama Pintail, Bantam, Carolina Ducks, Mandarin Ducks, Red Crested Pochard, Shelduck, Sliver Barhma Pintails, Blue Ring Teals and Whistling Ducks, had to be humanely culled.

This was done to protect both animal and public health and welfare and reduce the risk of further transmission.

Funds have been raised in support of the aviary which was a popular spot for tourists and locals.

No decisions have been made about the future of the aviary and the town council said it would work with the APHA, and carry out a full review of mitigation measures to ensure that every possible step is taken to prevent a similar event occurring again.