The apparent lethargy in Scotland in identifying bird flu is concerning because by the time the deadly H5N1 virus was confirmed in the swan found in Fife, the bird had already been dead for eight days.

This cannot be allowed to happen again.

Officials here are on high alert. Agriculture minister Mary Coughlan says the situation is being closely and continously monitored and we will change risk-assessment of our status if necessary. Fine Gael did the country a favour by exposing the lack of information available to the public through garda stations. By being aware, the public can be prepared to act.

The H5NI virus has now been detected in 13 European Union states and it seems inevitable that it will reach our shores at some point. The risks should not be exaggerated and there is no need to panic. The virus has made the leap from wild birds to poultry farms in only one of these cases. So far, it has not been detected in any humans in Europe and there is no recorded case of a human contracting the disease from a wild bird.

We need to be sensible but not alarmist.

Once birds are properly cooked there is no risk of infection in eating them. But if you see a dead bird, don't touch it. The Department of Agriculture and Food helpline can be reached on 1890 252283.