East Lothian residents have been given an urgent bird flu warning by the council following a rise in cases in recent weeks.
Issuing a message to those in the area on social media on Friday (January 6), officials said a number of birds had been affected locally by the disease.
In a bid to control the spread and monitor the situation, locals and visitors were asked to follow new rules when in rural areas.
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A number of bird flu cases have been reported in Scotland in recent months, with a selection of disease control zones currently in place to monitor the situation. Some strains of bird flu can pass to humans, however this is very rare. It usually requires very close contact between humans and infected birds.
Speaking this week, the plea from East Lothian council urged residents to avoid touching dead or sick birds, as well as keeping their dogs at a significant distance away.
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In addition, birds found unwell or deceased should be reported to a ranger contact at the council to keep track of potential cases.
A post read: “A number of birds have been found dead in recent weeks. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is most likely the cause.
“To help these birds please keep to footpaths, do not disturb roosting or feeding birds and keep dogs away from dead or sick birds.
“For your own safety, do not touch dead birds, please report them to us at ranger@eastlothian.gov.uk”
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