Peregrine falcon had bird flu

A DEAD wild bird of prey has tested positive for a dangerous strain of bird flu in Scotland.

Officials last night confirmed the peregrine falcon in Dumfries and Galloway had H5N8 avian influenza.

Two dead pigeons in England have also tested positive and the report comes a day after a dead wild duck in Wales was found to have the same dangerous strain of the disease.

A temporary ban on events, such as auctions and livestock fairs, involving gatherings of poultry, including chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese, has been imposed across Scotland, England and Wales to prevent spread of the disease.

A prevention zone is also in place, which requires keepers of poultry and other captive birds to keep them inside or take appropriate steps to keep them separate, and protect them, from wild birds.

Scotland’s chief veterinary officer, Sheila Voas, said: “This case of H5N8 in a falcon in Dumfries and Galloway confirms that avian influenza is present in wild birds in Scotland.”