14,000 game birds culled in Leven after second bird flu outbreak

The avian influenza outbreak affects game birds in Leven, Fife

A flock of about 14,000 game birds is to be culled after Scotland recorded a second outbreak of bird flu.

The Scottish government said the flock tested positive for the H5N1 strain of avian influenza at a rearing site in Leven, Fife.

All birds will be culled and a 1.8-mile (3km) protection zone has been set up as well as a six-mile (10km) surveillance zone to stop the spread.

It follows an outbreak of another strain in Orkney in December.

A range of measures are in place in the Leven control zones, including restrictions on the movement of poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure.

Officials say the risk to humans from the H5N1 strain is very low, but people are advised to stay away from dead birds and report any sightings.

Further tests

The latest outbreak follows confirmation of cases of the H5N8 strain in a flock of free-range chickens on a poultry farm in Sanday, Orkney, in December.

A total of 39 birds in that flock died and the remaining 11 were put down.

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Scotland's chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas said: "This highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza (H5N1) has been confirmed on a farm of approximately 14,000 mixed game birds with high mortality in the last few days.

"All remaining birds are being humanely culled for disease control purposes.

"It is vital that keepers take steps to improve their biosecurity and protect their birds from disease. Keepers who are concerned about the health or welfare of their flock should seek veterinary advice immediately.

"Your private vet, or your local Animal and Plant Health Agency office, will also be able to provide practical advice on keeping your birds safe from infection."

Free-range chickens were found to have Avian flu at a farm in Orkney

Food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers and do not affect the consumption of poultry products, including eggs.

Producers and bird keepers are reminded to comply with the order to house birds that came into effect on 14 December or ensure they are kept separate from wild birds and follow biosecurity procedures.

Rural Affairs Minister Ben Macpherson said "Following this confirmation, I have put in place controls required under domestic and EU legislation that will help control any further spread of the disease in the surrounding area.

"We ask that the public remain vigilant and report any findings of dead wild birds. People should not handle the birds."