The declaration, effective from 12 noon on Tuesday 10 November, makes it a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Scotland to implement strict biosecurity measures to protect their flocks. Surveillance indicates that the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus is circulating widely in wild birds across the UK, with the risk to poultry and other captive birds assessed as very high.
This season, there have been six cases of avian influenza in kept birds in Great Britain, including two in Scotland: one in a backyard flock on the Isle of Lewis and another in an egg producer in the Scottish Borders. Four cases have been reported in England. Additionally, nine out of 65 dead wild birds tested positive for the virus across Great Britain since 21 October, with eight found in Scotland.
The Chief Veterinary Officer for Scotland, Sheila Voas, stated, “While the risk to public health is very low, we are currently experiencing a heightened risk of an incursion of this virus from migratory birds and so it is vital that appropriate precautions are taken to protect poultry and other captive birds from infection. The introduction of this zone is a preventative measure, aimed at minimising the impact this often devastating virus can have on Scottish kept birds. Maintaining strict biosecurity is the most effective method of protecting birds from the virus.”
Public Health Scotland advises that the risk to public health from the virus is very low, and Food Standards Scotland confirms that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
The AIPZ mandates that bird keepers must keep free-ranging birds within fenced areas, fence off ponds and watercourses, cleanse and disinfect footwear and bird housing areas, minimise movement into and out of enclosures, and ensure bird housing areas are unattractive to wild birds. Domestic ducks and geese must be kept separate from other poultry.
Bird keepers are urged to familiarise themselves with avian flu advice and report any suspicion of disease to their local APHA Field Services Office. The zone will remain in place until further notice and will be regularly reviewed. The public is advised not to touch or pick up dead or visibly sick birds, as wild birds can carry diseases infectious to people.
