GOVERNMENT health experts have launched an investigation into a suspected outbreak of the deadly anthrax virus on a Fife farm.
A police guard had been placed on Grangehill Farm, Kinghorn, over the weekend to keep the public away from what had been earmarked as the possible contaminated area.
The investigation was launched after the death of a cow on the farm. Its symptoms suggested that it could have been suffering from anthrax.
Although the exact cause of its death has not yet been established, Fife police issued a statement stating they were ``catering for the worst possible scenario''.
Despite police concern, a Scottish Office spokesman said they were satisfied there was no risk to the public arising from the incident.
The spokesman continued: ``Those who handled the carcass followed normal hygiene instructions like washing their hands afterwards.
``Our vets are saying people would only catch the disease if they came into contact with infected blood and we are satisfied people are not at risk.
``We did place restrictions on the farm over the weekend but we have now removed them. Tests on the animal are expected to be completed later this week at a laboratory in England when it will be confirmed one way or the other if the animal had anthrax.''
A police spokesman said last night that although it seemed to be an isolated case all precautions to prevent the spread of infection had taken place, including the incineration of the carcass.
If an outbreak of anthrax is confirmed it will be the first case in Scotland for 18 months when five cows died of the disease on a Highland farm. There was no danger to the public during that outbreak.
Experts say anthrax is potentially deadly and can cause pneumonia but such cases are extremely rare in humans.
Mr Alistair Greig, the assistant director of the Scottish Agricultural College Veterinary Service centre, Perth, said he believed there was no risk to the public.
The farm is owned by Mr James Hazle although it is believed the beast which died late on Friday belonged to a Perthshire farmer who leases grazing land.
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