New case of avian influenza in Scotland
14 December 2021
Article: 55/5010
A flock of free-range hens from a commercial premises near Gretna, Dumfriesshire, has tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1. In order to limit the further spread of disease, appropriate restrictions have been imposed on the premises and any identified contact premises, plus the area of the surveillance zone, which overlaps into other regions.
As of 4 December 2021, the remaining birds at the premises have been humanely culled and a three kilometre protection zone and ten kilometre surveillance zone have been declared around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading. Within these zones, a range of different controls are now in place, including restrictions on the movement of poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure, and restrictions on bird gatherings.
The Scottish Government reminds producers and bird keepers to comply with the order to house birds, which came in to effect on 29 November 2021, or to ensure their birds are kept separate from wild birds. Bird keepers must ensure they follow biosecurity procedures.
The additional housing measures build on the strengthened biosecurity regulations that were brought in across Great Britain as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) on 3 November 2021 and in Northern Ireland on 17 November 2021.