DORSET wildlife lovers are being urged to be vigilant after an outbreak of bird flu in Yorkshire.

Experts have advised that the risk to humans is ‘very low’ and the strain affecting the duck breeding farm in East Yorkshire is different to that which affects people.

No outbreaks have been reported in Dorset but staff at Abbotsbury Swannery are on the alert after an outbreak in 2008.

John Houston, general manager of Abbotsbury Tourism, which includes Abbotsbury Swannery, said: “We’re always on the alert for illnesses among our birds. Every day our wardens go round the site looking for any sign of problems, and we have regular scientific check-ups and round-ups.

“We’re obviously aware of the outbreak in Yorkshire but so far it’s not had any effect on us, and we hope that the outbreak is swiftly contained and that it won’t have any effect.”

Tony Whitehead, media officer for the RSPB South West, urged the public to be vigilant.

He said: “It is something that everyone is aware of. Defra still have guidelines which were put in place during the last outbreak which state that anyone who finds five or more dead birds in one place should alert them.

“Everyone needs to be vigilant – nature reserve wardens, members of the public.”

Mr Whitehead added: “The risk to humans is very low but it is an important issue to be aware of.”

The case of the virus which has been confirmed at a duck breeding farm in Nafferton, near Driffield in East Yorkshire is the H5 version of the virus, but is not the H5N1 strain which has caused deaths in humans.

A 10km restriction zone has been put in place and all poultry on the farm is being culled in an attempt to prevent the spread of the disease, the Environment Department (Defra) said.

It is the first serious case of bird flu since 2008, when highly pathogenic H7N7 was found in free-range laying hens near Banbury, Oxfordshire.

Officials believe the latest outbreak may be linked to Germany and the Netherlands.

The transport of poultry and eggs throughout the Netherlands was banned yesterday after an outbreak of bird flu was confirmed at a chicken farm in Hekendorp.

IN 2008 there was an outbreak of a strain of bird flu at Abbotsbury Swannery and 11 birds died. The attraction was closed temporarily while experts dealt with the outbreak and restrictions put in place to try to stop the spread.