Cull begins of birds at Fife poultry farm hit by Avian flu
A cull of about 40,000 birds is taking place at a poultry farm in Fife where a mild strain'' of bird flu was found.
A one-kilometre protection zone was put in place around Craigies Poultry Farm near Dunfermline, where a case of H5N1 avian influenza was identified among chickens on Monday.
Scotland's chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas described it as a very mild strain'', said to be less serious than other forms of the virus that have caused concern in recent years.
The risk to human health is considered very low'', according to Health Protection Scotland.
The humane culling process, in which the birds are being gassed, is taking place over two days.
Poultry producers have been urged to be vigilant in light of the recent developments.
Restrictions have been imposed in the Fife control zone, including on the movement of poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure. The discovery comes after a number of cases of avian influenza across Europe in recent months. Three cases were found in the UK last year.
Ms Voas has said that consumers should not be concerned about eating eggs or poultry.