The protection zone around a Ladybank farm hit by an outbreak of bird flu has been lifted.
A 1.8 mile protection zone had been introduced around Daftmill Farm in December after avian flu was confirmed at the location.
The zones limited the movement of poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure within the infected zone to prevent any further spread of disease.
A surveillance zone of 6.2 miles was also in place.
However, Fife Council’s head of protective services Nigel Kerr has confirmed Scottish Government ministers have now lifted restrictions around the Daftmill Farm.
He said: “We welcome the news that following cleansing, disinfection and monitoring of this outbreak, restrictions have now been lifted in this area.
Some restrictions still in place
He added: “However avian flu has not gone away. In Fife restrictions are still in place at a premises in Crossgates and we will continue to work closely with partners in APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency), Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, and Fife NHS.”
“When an outbreak of avian flu has been confirmed, there are strict national guidelines we have to follow when dealing with ill or dead birds.
“Disease control zones and restrictions are in place in Crossgates and we’re following all the national guidance and supporting APHA while this outbreak is dealt with.
“Road signs have been put up to show where restrictions are in place and these will remain until restrictions are lifted.
“The team from APHA have contacted bird keepers within the disease control zone providing advice.”
Hundreds of thousands of birds culled
An avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) was declared across the whole of the UK on October 17.
In rare cases, it can affect humans and is spread by close contact with an infected bird.
However, most strains do not infect humans – and the illness cannot be passed on through eating fully-cooked poultry or eggs.
As of the end of November, more than 220,000 domestic birds had been culled in Scotland due to bird flu.
In England, 1.67 million turkeys and two million chickens have been culled.
Conversation