The outskirts of Sandbach has been included in a protective zone designated by animal health officials after an outbreak of avian flu on a poultry farm at Warmingham.

Cheshire East Council has issued a warning to local residents and landowners about avian influenza outbreaks and what to look out for.

The 3km protection zone extends up towards Middlewich. A 10km Surveillance Zone has also been put in place around the outbreak.

The zones require foot patrols around local premises by animal health officers and non-movement of birds within or out of the zone. They do not restrict the movement of people.

The UK Health Security Agency says the risk to public health is very low and the Food Standards Agency has said that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk and it does not affect the consumption of poultry or eggs.

But bird keepers are being warned to remain alert for signs of disease, report suspected disease immediately and ensure they are maintaining good bio security on their premises.

There is a 3km protection zone around the farm in Warmingham.

Residents are reminded to not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that they find.

Anyone finding dead wild waterfowl like swans, geese or ducks or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, should report them to the Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

For further guidance about how to spot avian influenza and measures to prevent it, visit Avian influenza at (www.gov.uk)