Bird flu: Suspected case of avian influenza virus found at poultry farm in Fife

A suspected case of bird flu has been spotted in chickens in Fife, Scotland. Vets confirmed the presence of the H5 avian flu at the poultry farm, but health officials have said it is currently a very low risk to human health.

The birds at the farm will now be culled and a 1km control zone will be put up around site. This includes restriction on the movement of poultry as well as their carcasses, eggs and manure.

"We have taken immediate action to contain this case as part of our robust procedures for dealing swiftly with avian flu," said Scotland's chief veterinary officer, Sheila Voas, in a statement. "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."

Tests have shown the H5 virus found in Fife is a "low pathogenic strain", but farmers are warned to be cautious.

"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," Voas said.

A number of cases of bird flu have been reported in the UK in the past year, but the last outbreak of the virus happened in November 2014, at a duck farm in East Yorkshire. Control zones were lifted a month later.