A case of bird flu, affecting a privately owned flock of geese, has hit Gloucestershire just weeks before Christmas.

A three-kilometre protection zone is now in place around the premises at Highleadon, near Newent, with a 10km surveillance zone around that.

The Chief Veterinary Officer confirmed that the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 had been detected at the site and the special measures were put in place late on Sunday night until further notice. There is no risk to human health.

John House, manager of nearby Taynton Farm Shop, said: "It's not very good at this time of year if someone is going to lose their poultry. Geese are in very short supply this year. They're like gold. We've sold out."

David George, NFU South West, said: "Free range poultry across the country has been subject to a housing order since the end of November to help protect flocks against avian influenza (AI), which is generally spread by migrating birds and has become common at this time of year. So, whilst this outbreak is unfortunate, it is not entirely unexpected."

The zone entails increased biosecurity and some animal movement restrictions.

David George added: "It is important that anyone with poultry - even if it's just a few chickens - sticks to the rules and registers with Defra so they can be notified of the latest situation."

Defra said a number of birds had died prior to confirmation of the disease. All other remaining birds on the premises will be humanely culled to limit the risk of onward transmission