Farm's bird restrictions lifted

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Restrictions imposed on a farm which was struck by a poultry virus, leading to the cull of around 14,000 birds, have been lifted.

Newcastle disease was confirmed in a flock of grey partridges at the holding near Edinburgh on 13 October.

A 1.9-mile protection zone and a 6.2-mile surveillance zone were set up around the premises in Fenton Barns, Drem, East Lothian.

Health officials said the source of the outbreak remained a mystery.

The Scottish Executive said there had been no further outbreaks of the virus and restrictions were being lifted in line with EU rules.

There have been no further findings of disease in the area in the last 30 days and clinical inspections of commercial flocks in the area have been completed Scottish Executive spokesman

Officials warned farmers to be vigilant should further cases emerge.

A spokesman said: "There have been no further findings of disease in the area in the last 30 days and clinical inspections of commercial flocks in the area have been completed.

"Whilst there have been no further findings of disease, poultry-keepers are reminded of the importance of vigilance for signs of disease and the importance of reporting any suspicion to the State Veterinary Service."

The last known previous outbreak of Newcastle disease in the UK was in July 2005 when a large flock of pheasants was culled in Surrey.

The deadly bug's symptoms in birds include sneezing, gasping for air, nasal discharge, coughing, and a greenish, watery diarrhoea.