All birds from a poultry farm in Dunfermline are to be culled after a case of bird flu was identified.

A control zone of 1km has been put in place around Craigies Poultry Farm in the Townhill area and poultry farmers in Fife have been warned to be vigilant for signs of the virus.

The incident comes after several cases of bird flu across Europe in recent months including three cases in other parts of the UK in 2015.

The Scottish Government confirmed its vets had found a strain of avian flu (H5) at the farm but said it was a "very mild form" and further testing is under way.

STV News reporter Gordon Chree went to the scene on Monday.

He said there were number of people in blue protective clothing and boots at the farm, adding: "It has been cordoned off with Defra no entry tape."

Restrictions have been imposed on the farm and officials are working to identify any premises which may be linked to it.

A restriction of movement order has been imposed on all poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure, and there are restrictions on bird gatherings.

Rita Botto, head veterinarian of Food Standard Scotland, said: "On the basis of current scientific evidence, Food Standards Scotlands advice is that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers."

Scotlands chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas said: "All the evidence so far suggests we are dealing with a very mild form of H5N1 avian influenza, which is not the same as the strain that has been causing problems in Asia and north Africa. Further tests are currently being carried out to confirm this but, in the meantime, we are taking no chances.

"As a precaution to prevent the spread of disease and in line with our robust procedures for dealing with avian flu, we have already put in place movement restrictions around the farm and all birds on the premises will be humanely culled. Consumers should not be concerned about eating eggs or poultry given the expert advice about food safety and human health.

"We are looking into possible sources of this infection in Scotland but it is normal for such viruses to circulate among wild bird populations, especially waterfowl. However, it is important that poultry keepers remain vigilant for any signs of disease and to ensure they are maintaining good biosecurity on their premises.

Cabinet secretary for rural affairs, food and the environment Richard Lochhead said: "We have seen a number of cases of avian influenza across Europe in the past few months including three separate cases in England last year, but it looks like we are dealing with a very mild strain here.

"The Scottish Government and our partners continue to do all we can to contain and prevent the spread of disease. Any poultry producers who are concerned should immediately seek veterinary advice."

Restrictions in the Fife control zone have been imposed, including on the movement of poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure and restrictions on bird gatherings.

Dr Jim McMenamin, consultant epidemiologist and respiratory infection lead for Health Protection Scotland said: "Based on what we know about this strain of avian influenza and the actions that have been taken, the risk to human health in this case is considered very low.

"Health Protection Scotland continues to work closely with Animal Health throughout this investigation."

Anyone with any concerns over possible incidents of avian flu is asked to contact the Defra national helpline on 03459 335577.

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