AN AVIAN Influenza Prevention Zone has been declared by the Scottish Government, requiring all poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors, or otherwise kept separate from wild birds.

This precaution has been taken in response to reports of a strain of highly pathogenic bird flu H5N8 causing high mortality in wild birds in mainland Europe, mostly affecting waterfowl.

While there have been no cases of this strain detected in the UK yet, the authorities are taking no chances, and the Prevention Zone applies to all of Scotland and will remain in place for 30 days. A similar Zone has also been declared in England.

Within these Zones, bird keepers are legally obliged to take all practicable steps to ensure that poultry and other captive birds kept separate from wild birds, which in most cases this will be by keeping birds housed.

Rural Economy Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “We have declared a 30-day Prevention Zone as a precautionary measure to protect Scotland’s valuable poultry industry, particularly in the weeks before Christmas.

"The Scottish Government and its partners continue to monitor the situation in Europe closely and stand ready to respond to any suspicion of disease in Scotland. Any bird keepers who have concerns should immediately seek veterinary advice.”

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,” she added.

Scottish poultry keepers have, in the past few weeks, attended roadshow meetings where biosecurity measures and good practice regarding the threat of HPAI have been discussed.

NFU Scotland's animal health and welfare policy manager Penny Johnston said: “Scottish poultry keepers are up to speed on the current threat posed by the presence of HPAI on mainland Europe and the recent well-attended roadshows have brought everyone up to date on the biosecurity measures and contingency plans they should be employing to keep their flocks as safe as possible.

“Looking at the spread of HPAI across Europe, it is clear that there is a high risk of infection in wild migratory fowl, posing a risk of cross infection into our commercial birds. The decision taken by the Scottish Government is sensible, given the risk, and producers will play their part.

“NFUS will continue to monitor the situation and update producers of any changes to the risk status and advice but in the meantime, we urge all poultry keepers to comply with the restriction notice, tighten biosecurity and be aware of the potentially increased risks from wild birds.”