Suspected case of bird flu found in eastern Scotland

A suspected case of bird flu has been identified in chickens at a farm in eastern Scotland, the Scottish government has said.

Initial test results have indicated presence of a notifiable strain of Avian Influenza (H5) and the clinical picture suggests that this is a Low Pathogenic strain and further testing is underway to confirm the strain, said the press release late Sunday.

The birds at the suspect premises will be humanely culled and a one km Temporary Control Zone was put in place around the farm in Dunfermline, while the local poultry industry is urged to be vigilant, it said.

There have been a number of recent cases of avian influenza across continental Europe in recent months including three cases in other parts of Britain in 2015, said the Scottish government.

Scottish Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said: "We have taken immediate action to contain this case as part of our robust procedures for dealing swiftly with avian flu."

"Evidence suggests this is a low severity form of the virus, however, we are taking action to ensure that the disease does not spread or develop into a more severe form," said Voas.

"I would urge poultry keepers in the surrounding area to be vigilant for any signs of disease and to ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises," she added.

The risk to human health in this case is considered very low and people were told that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for British consumers on the basis of current scientific evidence, said health protection experts. Endit