Although the strain can spread rapidly in birds and kill them, the current level of risk to humans is very low, according to the Health Protection Agency.

The county council is monitoring the situation and is reminding people that the situation can change rapidly.

Up to date information on the area subject to controls can be found on the Defra website < http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/latest-situation/index.htm>

The council has issued initial advice for residents and businesses:

Anyone who keeps poultry should be prepared in case the control zones are extended into Bucks. The risk of disease spread can be reduced by minimising contact with wild birds. Anyone keeping birds outdoors must have a clear plan for housing or separating their birds from wild birds. If restrictions are extended to Bucks, all bird keepers will be contacted and given advice.

If you find die offs involving 10 or more dead birds of the same species or from different species in the same place you should contact the Defra Helpline 08459 33 55 77, 8.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday.

If you find any other single dead birds, including garden birds then you do not need to call the Defra helpline, unless you keep poultry and you find dead wild birds near or among your poultry, when you should report it. If the cause of death is obvious, such as mauling by animals or road kill, there is no need to notify Defra.

If you find a single dead bird either leave it alone or dispose of it, following these hygiene precautions:

Avoid touching the bird with your bare hands. If possible, wear disposable protective gloves when picking up and handling. Place the dead bird in a suitable plastic bag, preferably leak proof. Care should be taken not to contaminate the outside of the bag Tie the bag and place it in a second plastic bag

Remove gloves by turning them inside out and then place them in the second plastic bag. Tie the bag and dispose of in the normal household refuse bin. Hands should then be washed thoroughly with soap and water If disposable gloves are not available, a plastic bag can be used as a make-shift glove.

When the dead bird has been picked up, the bag can be turned back on itself and tied. It should then be placed in a second plastic bag, tied and disposed of in the normal household waste. Alternatively, the dead bird can be buried, but not in a plastic bag Any clothing that has been in contact with the dead bird should be washed using ordinary washing detergent at the temperature normally used for washing the clothing. Any contaminated indoor surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned with normal household cleaner.

Margaret Dewar, cabinet member for community services, said: "Let's hope this disease can be contained, however it makes sense, being so near, for our residents to be vigilant.. An obvious danger is contact between poultry and wild birds. The public can do their bit to help stop the spread of this disease to local birds by keeping an eye out for dead wild birds in our countryside and taking appropriate action as per the advice given here."

More detailed information and advice is available on the council's website at http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/bcc/content/index.jsp?contentid=-1901612756