Bird flu outbreak in Fife, Scotland; cull to hit 40,000 chickens

A strain of avian influenza (bird flu) has been found in Fife, Scotland; around 40,000 birds will be culled and a 1km Temporary Control Zone has been set up to inhibit the movement of birds, carcasses and eggs. The risk to human health is "very low" although additional testing is under way as officials wait to confirm the strain. Most types of bird flu are harmless to humans, however, two types, H5N1 and H7N9, have caused serious concerns. The highly-pathogenic H5N1 virus has been reported in 16 countries, with around 650 people in 15 countries infected with the strain since 2003. H5N1 has a 60% mortality rate worldwide; as we previously noted, eight countries have suspended imports of French poultry after the H5N1 bird flu virus was detected in the Dordogne region early in December 2015. 

A case of avian influenz has been suspected in chickens at a farm in Fife but the risk to human health is considered "very low"

Bird flu outbreak in Scotland suspected as 1km disease control zone put up around farm

An outbreak of bird flu has been suspected in chickens at a farm in Fife, the Scottish government has warned.

A temporary control zone of one kilometre has been put in place around the Dunfermline farm and the birds will be culled.

Officials confirmed initial test results indicated the presence of a strain of avian influenza (H5) but said it is a "low pathogenic strain" and further testing is under way.

Poultry producers have been urged to be vigilant following the suspected case.

But the risk to human health in this case is considered "very low", according to Health Protection Scotland.

Scotland's 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.

"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."

Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror) Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

It comes after a number of cases of avian influenza across Europe in recent months.

Read more: Deadly bird flu outbreak puts emergency plan into action as risk to humans is assessed

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.

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

Rural Affairs Secretary, Richard Lochhead, said: "Livestock owners and the general public should be assured that we are doing everything we can to control and prevent the spread of the disease.

"Any poultry producers who are concerned should immediately seek veterinary advice."

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."