Fife MP reassures concerned residents after bird flu outbreak

A Fife MP is reassuring worried residents about officials knocking on doors after a recent bird flu outbreak.

It was first announced last week that a 3km protection zone, as well as a 10km surveillance zone, was set up after an H5N1 strain of avian fluenza on a Levenmouth farm.

The surveillance zone includes large parts of Glenrothes, as well as Markinch, the Wemyss villages and Ladybank.

Doorstep callers have been asking about the presence of poultry and other birds in their gardens.

The MP for Glenrothes Peter Grant has contacted the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) after constituents raised concerns.

But he is advising anyone who is unsure about the identity of someone knocking on their door to ask to see an ID badge.

Visits are taking place to find out if there are any vulnerable birds in the local area.

Peter Grant MP said: "I’ve been in touch with the APHA can confirm that inspectors from both the APHA and Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) are conducting foot patrols in the area, so it is likely that local residents will have unexpected doorstep callers from these agencies.

"The purpose of these visits is to establish if there are any vulnerable birds in the local area, so measures can be taken to protect them.

"If you are ever unsure if a visitor is legitimate please ask to see an ID badge.

"This strain of bird flu is known to be highly contagious between birds but the risk of it passing from animals to humans is low.

"I would urge anyone who has birds to make sure they are keeping them housed to reduce their risk of infection."