THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning over a severe bird flu outbreak, which has jumped from birds to mammals.

While the risk to humans remains low at present, health chiefs have stressed that this could change.

Despite the warning, the number of cases in the Hampshire area has remained low, with a 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone being set up in Colden Common.

Two cases of bird flu have been reported in the Winchester area, while four cases have been reported in Basingstoke and Deane. Only one case has been reported in Test Valley.

Marwell Zoo said in December that several of its penguins had died after they contracted bird flu, with a monitoring zone being established and the walkthrough aviaries closed to keep the other birds safe. The penguins were taken off show, only returning at the end of January after extensive work to clean and disinfect their enclosure.

READ MORE: Marwell Zoo confirms return of penguins to enclosure following bird flu outbreak

Birds team leader Dan Garrett said: “It’s great to see them back in their enclosure where they can swim properly, feed in the water and have opportunities to seek shelter in their burrows. They feel safer in the water so it’s obviously of huge benefit to have them back in their pool.”

The bird flu also saw customers facing restrictions on the purchase of eggs from some supermarkets across Winchester, with a three-box limit at the Aldi in Weeke at the beginning of January.

According to the Government website, there have been 174 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 since October 1, 2022, with 147 of those cases being reported in England alone.

More information about the ongoing situation can be found on the government website: gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england.