Government issues bird flu measures

The Scottish Government has declared an “Avian Influenza Prevention Zone” requiring that all poultry and captive birds must be kept indoors, or separate from wild birds.

This precautionary step followed multiple reports of a strain of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N8 affecting wild birds in mainland Europe, mostly affecting waterfowl. There have been no cases of this strain detected in the UK.

The prevention zone applies to all of Scotland and will remain in place for 30 days. A zone has also been declared in England.

As a result, bird keepers are legally obliged to take all practicable steps to ensure that captive birds are not exposed to wild birds – in most cases this will be by keeping them housed.

Scotland’s chief veterinary officer Sheila Voas said: “The risk of an HPAI incursion into poultry in the UK remains at ‘low, but heightened’, although for wild birds the risk has been raised to ‘medium’.

“It is normal to see these viruses circulating among wild bird populations at this time of year, however the strain seen in Europe appears to be particularly virulent which is a cause for some concern.

“Keeping birds indoors helps to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus, provided that poultry keepers maintain good biosecurity on their premises and remain vigilant for any signs of disease.

“Consumers should not be concerned about eating eggs or poultry given the expert advice about food safety and human health.”