Bird flu protection zone declared in Birsay

A 3km protection zone has been declared, after the discovery of a highly pathogenic strain of Avian Influenza (H5N1) at a premises in Birsay.

The declaration, which also includes a 10km supervision zone, was made on the advice of Scotland’s chief veterinary officer and signed by rural affairs and islands secretary Mairi Gougeon this Wednesday evening, July 6.

This means movement restrictions within these zones — for example, poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure — to prevent any further spread of disease.

Keepers can find out if their premises is in these zones via the APHA interactive map.

Vigilance by bird keepers is important and any suspicion of disease in Scotland must be reported immediately to the local APHA Field Services office.

More to follow.