SCOTLAND'S avian influenza prevention zone has been lifted.

With effect from April 30, the zone requiring bird keepers in all areas of Scotland to put in place enhanced biosecurity measures prior to letting their birds outside no longer applies. However, the ban on shows and gatherings of poultry, waterfowl and game birds will remain in force until May 15, when a new general licence will come into force.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy Fergus Ewing said: "This decision has been made following the recent veterinary risk assessment concluding that the risk of avian influenza incursion to poultry and captive birds in Scotland had decreased to low.

“This has been a testing time for all of us, and I would like to thank all bird keepers in Scotland for their co-operation and vigilance. Your positive and committed response has helped us reach this point.”

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas added: “It is a relief to see that the risk of HPAI H5N8 in Scotland has reduced, but this does not mean we should be complacent; the risk of avian influenza has not disappeared.

"It is essential that bird keepers maintain effective biosecurity year-round, not just when a prevention zone is in place. I would also strongly urge businesses to reassess their contingency plans, given the new perspective this season’s outbreaks of H5N8 provides.”

NFU Scotland’s poultry policy manager Penny Middleton agreed: “The level of threat this winter has been unprecedented but could be the start of a recurring pattern. There is work needed to be done this summer to assess how we handle such situations in the future and for keepers to consider carefully their contingency plans and resilience to face similar situations in the future.”