A POULTRY expert has urged people with outdoor birds to ensure they take Government advice on bird flu seriously after a case was confirmed in North Yorkshire.

Avian flu has been confirmed in chickens and ducks in a small backyard flock at a property near Settle, the UK’s chief veterinary officer has said.

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone has been put in place to limit the spread of H5N8 avian flu and a decision made to humanely cull the birds.

Chief veterinary officer Professor Nigel Gibbens said: "Restrictions are now in place around the affected premises and a full investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection.

"This finding in a backyard flock shows how essential it is for all poultry owners, even those who just keep a few birds as pets, to do everything they can to keep them separate from wild birds and minimise the risk of them catching avian flu via the environment.

"This means keeping birds in a suitable building where possible, and taking precautions such as putting up netting, keeping food and water inside and disinfecting footwear and equipment after contact with birds."

It is understood the affected flock included 17 chickens and ducks, several of which have already died.

Public Health England have said the risk to people from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency has made clear bird flu does not pose a food safety risk.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone that has been in place since December 6 has been extended until February 28. The zone covers England and similar restrictions have been introduced in Scotland and Wales.

It was introduced after the H5N8 bird flu strain was found in poultry and wild birds in 14 countries including Germany and France.

The zone requires keepers of poultry and other captive birds to keep their birds indoors, or take appropriate practical steps to keep them separate from wild birds.

Colin Gullon, from Londonderry near Bedale, who is involved with the national Poultry Club and organises the poultry section in the North Yorkshire County Show, said he believed there were plans to issue large fines to anyone with poultry not kept under cover.

He said: "This is a lot more serious than people imagine. I don’t want to sound alarmist, but this could mushroom out of proportion if people aren’t careful."