Rabbits had burrowed into radioactive waste pits

Experts from the Food Standards Agency Scotland (FSAS) confirmed they will take samples from rabbits near the nuclear plant away for analysis.

But the body said the action is merely a precautionary measure.

The move comes after the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) served an enforcement notice on Dounreay managers after it found rabbits had burrowed into the plant's low-level radioactive waste pits.

The FSAS has said there is no indication that contaminated rabbits are entering the food chain but added it is aware of at least one person who catches the animals, primarily for pet food, in the Dounreay area - not far from the nuclear licensed site.

The individual involved has already agreed to stop the activity in the vicinity of the licensed site until the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), operators of the nuclear plant, has complied with Sepa's enforcement notice.

Bunny samples

Because of the possibility of rabbits being caught for human consumption, the FSAS has also notified the local authority and arrangements are being made for samples to be collected.

A spokesman for the FSAS said it will continue to review the situation and consider any implications for public health.

UKAEA has said despite routinely testing rabbits on the site there has been no evidence of contamination.

Dounreay site director Peter Welsh said: "There is no evidence that rabbits are spreading radioactivity from the low-level waste and this is reinforced by the results of these tests.

"Nonetheless, we recognise that rabbits should not have been able to access this area in the first place and we have now secured the area against further intrusion."

He added: "We are also arranging a cull of rabbits on the site and reviewing what measures may need to be taken to curb other wildlife."