Public health bosses have moved to reassure people after the largest outbreak of avian flu this year with risks set to increase this winter.

The Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland and Wales have put out a joint statement of new measures that bird keepers can take to avoid the disease.

They said that scrupulous biosecurity and hygiene measures is the best form of defence and they have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Great Britain.

This means that all bird keepers must take action to help prevent the disease spreading to more poultry and other domestic birds.

Lesley Jones, Director of Public Health for Bury Council, said: "I want to reassure residents that the risk to public health from avian flu is very low.

"However, it is important that people do not pick up any sick or dead birds to avoid spreading the virus, which can affect humans in rare cases.

"If you do find any dead swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds while out and about, please report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

"I would also urge bird keepers to be vigilant for any signs of disease and report any suspected cases to their nearest Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA office).”

The introduction of an AIPZ means regardless of whether someone keeps a few birds or thousands, they are legally required to meet enhanced biosecurity requirements to protect their birds from this highly infectious disease.

Backyard owners with smaller numbers of poultry including chickens, ducks and geese must also take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their animals.

One Bury resident said: "You have to be careful, especially with your dogs.

“I usually walk round Elton Reservoir of the lodges but with the rise in bird flu I’ll be staying well away and finding somewhere else."

Avian influenza is in no way connected to the COVID-19 pandemic which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus which is not carried in poultry.