A FIRM 'business as usual' message has been put out from Malhamdale following an outbreak of Avian Flu.

A three kilometre protection zone and a 10km surveillance zone were put up around the affected premises at Hanlith last Friday following conformation of the disease by the government's chief vet.

It followed the deaths of a number of chickens in a small backyard flock of originally 17 chickens and ducks.

The remaining live animals have since been destroyed as a precaution as steps are taken to find out how the disease - which poses no risk to people - reached the area.

Cllr Chris Wildman, chairman of Kirkby Malham Parish Council, which met on Monday, said it was a small, isolated incident that had been quickly and efficiently been brought under control.

"This was not on a farm, they were someone's pets in a back garden and they've got mixed up with wild birds," he said.

"We're trying to keep a hat on it, because its been blown up out of all proportion. Malham is very much open as usual and there is nothing for people to worry about, it was a small incident which has been contained very well by DEFRA (Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

In Skipton, allotment holder tenants of Skipton Town Council were reminded of the advice.

Dave Parker, the council's chief officer, said: “A significant number of tenants at our various allotment sites in Skipton keep chickens. Back in December, when DEFRA first issued information, we wrote to all of our tenants individually giving them full details of the advice and strongly recommending that they take the prescribed actions to protect their livestock. Warning notices were also placed in prominent locations at all our sites. Given the confirmed outbreak in Hanlith, we will be updating that advice and will monitor the situation carefully."

Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens said swift action had been taken to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

“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.”

A Craven District Council spokesman said: "We are working closely with other agencies who are taking action to prevent the disease spreading. We have made alternative arrangements for the collection of waste so that our vehicles do not enter the affected property. The advice from Public Health England is that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency has made clear that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers."

Members of the public are encouraged to report dead wild waterfowl, including swans, geese or ducks, or gulls, or five or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location, to the Defra helpline on 03459 335577.