Dead birds found at popular Fife dog walking site sparking avian flu concerns

People have been urged to stay away from a site in Fife after multiple dead birds were found, prompting concerns over the highly infectious avian flu.

The birds were found at the former St Ninians opencast coalfield in west Fife, which is popular with dog walkers.

It is now managed by National Pride CIC, which is planning to develop a wellness and leisure park on the site.

A spokesperson for National Pride said they are working with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to determine whether the deaths were caused by avian influenza.

Irene Bisset, chair of National Pride CIC and Director of National Pride (St Ninians) Ltd, has urged people to avoid the area until the test results are obtained.

She said: “Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly infectious virus spread through bird-to-bird contact and indirectly through contaminated feed, water and equipment.

“The chances of being transmitted to humans are extremely low.

“However, the boots, clothing and hands of any person who has been in contact with infected animals can spread the disease.”

It comes as concerns surrounding avian flu continue to rise across Scotland.

Last month, a national bird flu prevention zone was declared across Scotland and England following an increase in the number of cases among wild birds and other captive birds.

From 12pm on January 25, it became a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Scotland and England to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian flu.

The decision came after surveillance indicated the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus is currently circulating in wild birds in the UK and their risk to poultry and other captive birds is currently assessed as being very high.