In response to the discovery of the H5N1 strain of avian flu in Fife, David Roderick of North Lanarkshire Council's Department of Planning and Environment, said:

"North Lanarkshire Council has contingencies in place to cope with an outbreak of the H5N1 virus should it happen in North Lanarkshire. We are fully prepared to implement the measures set by the State Veterinary Service and to take every possible precaution to prevent the spread of this disease.

"The council already performs regular inspections of wild birds found on its lakes and rivers - the ducks and swans on Strathclyde Loch, for instance. And this weekend, as an extra precautionary measure, we intend to move the fowl species at Palacerigg to an indoor enclosure.

"Our defences in the event of a localised outbreak would be broadly similar to those employed during the foot and mouth crisis – disinfection stations; protection and surveillance zones; the quarantine of domesticated and commercial poultry flocks and restrictions on the movement of eggs and other poultry products. We will also maintain continuous monitoring of areas where wild birds congregate and roost.

"In the meantime, we would stress that the H5N1 virus has not yet reached the area. Any dead birds found in North Lanarkshire - or anywhere else in Scotland - should be dealt with according to the following Defra guidelines.

"One or more dead swans or other wild fowl; more than three dead birds of the same species or more than five dead birds of different species but in the same place, should be left untouched and reported directly to the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77.

Any dead single, small garden or wild birds should be left alone or disposed of using sensible hygiene precautions to prevent contamination of skin, clothes or household surfaces.

"Enquiries and requests for more information may be directed to the SERAD public information line number on 0131 244 0404.

"Until the presence of H5N1 in North Lanarkshire is detected or confirmed, there is no reason to implement a more stringent approach than that already in place - one of understanding, watchfulness and readiness to act."

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