Avian Flu detected at Fife nature reserve
A number of dead swans were reported to DEFRA in December
Avian flu has been detected at a Fife nature reserve after a number of dead swans were reported to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Fife Coast & Countryside Trust (FCCT) reported the carcasses, found at the Birnie and Gaddon Local Nature Reserve, at the end of December. The presence of avian flu in one of them has now been confirmed.
FCCT say notices are now displayed at the site warning people against contact with wild birds.
In a social media appeal, they also urged people not to feed the birds on site as it encourages 'the birds to congregate together.'
The FCCT do not believe there are any other cases in the area.
A Fife Coast & Countryside Trust spokesperson said: "FCCT reported a number of dead swans at the Birnie and Gaddon Local Nature Reserve to DEFRA at the end of December. The presence of Avian Flu in one of the carcasses has now been confirmed. Relevant agencies have been informed, and we have put up notices around the site advising people against contact with wild birds.
"We are obviously saddened by the impact avian flu continues to have on our wild bird species. We will continue to closely monitor all of the sites we look after across Fife and encourage people to follow the DEFRA guidance on reporting dead, sick or injured animals.
"We aren't aware of any other cases in the area at the moment, and the Environmental Services Team at Fife Council are aware of outbreak."