A BIRDS of prey sanctuary has temporarily closed “due to the highly pathogenic Avian Flu outbreak”.

Sharandys Birds of Prey is based three miles away from Ilminster and its owners said they “are having to lock down the centre” after the restrictions imposed by DEFRA.

These measures were put in place “to protect all of our birds and animals” and no one will be allowed access to premises.

Sharon and her son Matt explained their decision on social media.
They said: “Due to the highly pathogenic Avian Flu outbreak in Ilminster which is only three miles away, we are having to lockdown the centre.

“Following the restrictions imposed by DEFRA and to protect all of our birds and animals, with immediate effect, no one will be allowed to enter to premises.

“Therefore, all experiences that have been booked for this week will have to be postponed until further notice, everyone will be contacted by phone.
"We will keep you updated weekly regarding any experiences that are booked for the rest of April.

“Everyone will be contacted by phone to notify them of this and once the restrictions have been lifted we will be in contact to rebook postponed experiences.

“Sadly, we are unable to arrange any further experiences until we know what is happening with this outbreak.

“Thank you for your understanding. Sharon and Matt.”

A three-kilometre exclusion zone was set up after a case of bird flu was detected.

Defra has also imposed a ten-kilometre surveillance zone near the South Somerset town of Ilminster.