A FARM in Townhill has been taped off after a strain of bird flu was identified in its chickens.

Craigies Poultry Farm, near Cairncubie Road north of the village, has had restrictions imposed and a temporary control zone has been put in place for a kilometre around the area.

When the Press arrived on the scene, the farm was quiet but workers in protective environmental suits could be seen walking around the premises as work begins on killing the birds.

Dunfermline Press:

Police also sent a van to the area due to the number of vehicles arriving at the farm and parking on the nearby road.

Experts believe it is a "low severity" form of the virus with a "very low" risk to human health, but measures are being put in place to make sure the disease does not spread or develop more severely.

The chickens will culled in a humane manner and a range of different controls are in place which include restrictions of the movement of poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure and restrictions on bird gatherings.

Initial test results have indicated presence of a "notifiable strain of avian influenza (H5)", with the clinical picture suggesting a "low pathogenic strain" and further testing underway to confirm.

There have been a number of recent cases of bird flu across continental Europe in recent months, including three cases in other parts of the UK in 2015.

Scotland’s chief veterinary officer, Sheila Voas, said: “We have taken immediate action to contain this case as part of our robust procedures for dealing swiftly with avian flu.

"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.

“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.”

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead, said: "Livestock owners and the general public should be assured that we are doing everything we can to control and prevent the spread of the disease. Any poultry producers who are concerned should immediately seek veterinary advice.”

Dr Jim McMenamin, consultant epidemiologist and respiratory infection lead for Health Protection Scotland, said: “Based on what we know about this strain of avian influenza and the actions that have been taken, the risk to human health in this case is considered very low. Health Protection Scotland continues to work closely with Animal Health throughout this investigation."

Rita Botto, head veterinarian of Food Standard Scotland, said: “On the basis of current scientific evidence, Food Standards Scotland’s advice is that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.”

The Press will bring you more on this story when we have it, so keep checking the website for updates.