Bird flu continues to be a ‘big concern’ in Dumfries and Galloway, according to South Scotland MSP and Scottish Labour’s Rural Affairs Spokesperson Colin Smyth.

The local MSP has also reiterated his call for owners to follow Scottish Government guidelines about protecting their birds and for anyone who sees a dead bird while out and about to contact the Defra phone line.

At the weekend another positive case of avian flu was found near Moffat. This comes on the back of one at Kirtlebridge and one near Kirkpatrick Fleming.

Scotland’s chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas has said the situation this year is ‘unprecedented’ but that the risk to human health is ‘very low’.

Colin Smyth said: “The news of yet another confirmed case of avian flu in our region is very worrying and once again, my thoughts are with the owners of the flocks which have to be culled.

“I am again urging bird owners to check if they’re in a protection or surveillance zone and to follow the guidelines which have been set down to ensure the spread of this terrible disease is halted.

“Fortunately, we’re being told that the risk to human health is low but this is a very serious disease and I would urge anyone who owns birds to remain vigilant.

“I would also ask people to report any sightings of dead wild birds to Defra but not touch or pick up any dead birds they might see.”