Members of the public are being warned not to feed swans after an outbreak of bird flu killed several of the animals at a beauty spot in Fife.
Fife Coast and Countryside Trust said an outbreak of avian flu was detected at Birnie and Gaddon Lochs, near Cupar.
A number of swans have died as a result of the infection.
As a result, members of the public are being urged not to feed the swans at the lochs, as encourages birds to congregate together and could promote the spread of bird flu.
Walkers have also been urged to keep to the footpath at the beauty spot and to ensure dogs are on leads at all times.
The Trust added that wild waterfowl should not be fed, to not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds and not to touch bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with droppings.
Additionally, members of the public who own birds have been advised to wash their hands and clean and disinfect footwear before tending to birds and poultry.
Tom Quayle, head of conservation and engagement, said: “Fife Coast and Countryside Trust 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 the outbreak.”
In a post on Facebook, the Trust added: “Bird flu mostly spreads from bird to bird through direct or indirect contact with infected saliva, nasal secretions, or droppings, as well as through predation/scavenging.
“We would ask that members of the public do not feed the birds on site, as this encourages the birds to congregate together.”
Members of the public are urged to report any sightings of dead birds to DEFRA online.
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