A WHITE-TAILED Sea Eagle found dead on the Isle of Skye tested positive for bird flu, reports say.

The eagle was found dead on the island's northern Trotternish peninsula - which has long been a stronghold for the species.

Local website Skye Birds reported that analysis from Scotland's Rural University College (SRUC) pathology unit found the bird was positive for avian influenza.

The site said that, while details are awaiting publication by the UK Government’s Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA), it is believed to be the first case in Scotland involving a White-Tailed Eagle.

White-Tailed Eagles are the largest bird of prey in the UK, growing slightly longer and heavier than their Golden cousins.

Reports have said the death may be linked to the fact that eagles “predate and will eat carrion of Greylag Geese”.

The news comes as bird flu was found at a third premises in Scotland amid the “largest-ever outbreak in the UK”.

The Scottish Government said that the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was confirmed at premises near Annan in Dumfries and Galloway on December 9.

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone (SZ) have been declared around the premises, which means movement restrictions within these zones – on things such as poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter, and manure – to prevent any further spread of disease.

Avian flu was previously confirmed at premises near Gretna in Dumfries and Galloway on December 3 and at premises near Arbroath, Angus, on November 4.

Officials said public health advice is that the risk to human health from the virus is very low.

READ MORE: Find out how bird flu is affecting your area with this interactive map

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “We know that avian influenza is here in Scotland. In order to try to keep their birds safe and stop the spread of the disease, producers and bird keepers are reminded to comply with the order to house birds, which came into effect on November 29, or to ensure their birds are kept separate from wild birds.

“It’s important that the public remain vigilant and report any findings of dead wild birds to Defra’s national telephone helpline. Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that you find.”

Bird keepers have been told to report any suspicion of disease in Scotland to their local Field Services Office.

Scotland’s chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas said: “We have already made clear that all bird keepers – whether major businesses or small keepers with just a few birds – must ensure that their biosecurity is up to scratch to protect their birds from disease.

“Any dead wild swans, geese, ducks or birds of prey, or five or more dead wild birds of other species (including gulls) in the same location at the same time, should be reported to Defra’s national telephone helpline.

“Public health advice is that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and it does not affect the consumption of poultry products including eggs.”