Bird flu has killed several penguins at Marwell Zoo.

The zoo confirmed that it had been found in a number of its penguins, and they had subsequently died.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said there had been an outbreak of the H5N1 strain in Colden Common and near Highclere in north Hampshire.

A 3km (1.86 mile) monitoring zone has been set up around both premises.

Despite this, the zoo has remained open.

In a Facebook post, the zoo said: "We were informed yesterday (December 5) that a number of our penguins had tested positive for avian influenza. Unfortunately, these birds died as a result of their illness.

"We are working with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to ensure all necessary biosecurity measures are in place.

"Marwell Zoo is open as usual, for all our day guests and for our Glow Marwell evening event. At this time, guests will be unable to access our Energy For Life: Tropical House and walkthrough aviaries so that we can help to keep our other birds safe.

"Our flamingos have been brought under a covered area of their enclosure, and the penguins are off-show. We have already been taking precautions, including foot dips for guests, and these will continue to be in place while we investigate.

"Thanks as always to our dedicated animal and veterinary teams for working so hard to ensure the health and wellbeing of our animals."

This comes after a bird flu outbreak at a poultry farm in Bishop's Waltham in February. This resulted in all the birds at the farm being humanely culled.

There was a similar case in Romsey at the end of 2021.

A statement on Defra's website said: “Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed at the following premises in other captive birds on December 5 near Highclere, Basingstoke & Deane, Hampshire and near Colden Common, Winchester, Hampshire.

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“A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been declared around each premises.”

Bird flu, also known as avian flu, is a type of influenza that spreads among birds.

Some strains of bird flu can pass from birds to people, but this is extremely rare, according to the UKHSA.

It usually requires close contact with an infected bird, so the risk to humans is generally considered very low.

Human-to-human transmission of bird flu is also very rare, the organisation said.