Farmers urge bird flu 'vigilance'

More than 6,000 birds have been slaughtered in Suffolk

Scottish farming leaders have urged poultry producers and the public to be "vigilant" for signs of bird flu after an outbreak of the disease in Suffolk.

The virus was discovered at Redgrave Park Farm near Diss, where all 6,500 birds are being slaughtered.

The National Farmers Union Scotland said public surveillance of wild fowl remained an important protection.

A number of areas across the country have UK Government priority status for reporting dead wild bird finds.

They are in Angus, Fife, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, West Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders.

There is nothing to suggest that the disease has spread beyond the infected premises at Diss in Suffolk Bob Carruth NFU Scotland

Particular attention should be paid to dead ducks, geese, swans, gulls and waders.

Tests have confirmed the Suffolk strain of the disease is the highly pathogenic strain H5N1.

NFUS animal welfare policy manager Bob Carruth said it was important for everyone to watch out for any signs of the disease.

"Scotland's poultry producers and keepers must remain alert for signs of avian influenza in their flocks," he said.

"There is nothing to suggest that the disease has spread beyond the infected premises at Diss in Suffolk.

"However, the disease remains a threat."

Mr Carruth asked the public to assist in monitoring any problems.

"We need them to play their part in surveillance and to stand by Scottish poultry and egg producers," he said.

Dead bird finds can be reported to the GB Wild Bird Helpline on 08459 33 55 77.