BIRD KEEPERS in Scotland are being reminded to maximise biosecurity and keep their flocks separated from wild birds following the confirmation of Avian Influenza H5N8 in a small flock of poultry from a farm on the Island of Sanday in Orkney.

Laboratory results of samples taken from the flock have since identified the strain as highly pathogenic. In order to limit the further spread of disease, appropriate restrictions have been imposed on the premises and any identified contact premises.

A Protection Zone of 3km and a Surveillance Zone of 10km have been put in place around the infected premises to limit the risk of spread of the disease. Within these zones a range of different controls are in place, including restrictions on the movement of poultry, carcasses, eggs, used poultry litter and manure.

Across the rest of Scotland, and the UK, producers and bird keepers must comply with the order to house birds that came in to effect on December 14, or ensure they are kept separate from wild birds and follow biosecurity procedures.

Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment Mairi Gougeon said: “Following this confirmation I have put in place controls required under domestic and EU legislation that will help control any further spread of the disease in the surrounding area. We ask that the public remain vigilant and report any findings of dead wild birds.”

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer Sheila Voas said: “This finding is not unexpected given we have already seen a significant number of dead wild birds test positive for this highly pathogenic strain and a number of other cases already identified in England.

“It is vital that keepers take steps to improve their biosecurity and protect their birds from disease. Keepers who are concerned about the health or welfare of their flock should seek veterinary advice immediately. Your private vet, or your local Animal and Plant Health Agency office, will also be able to practical provide advice on keeping your birds safe from infection.

“Public health advice remains that the risk to human health from the virus is very low and food standards bodies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and it does not affect the consumption of poultry products including eggs,” added Ms Voas.

Bird flu is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of bird flu you must report it immediately. Failure to do so is an offence.

In Great Britain, if you find a single dead bird of prey, gull or wild waterfowl (particularly swans, geese or ducks) or find five or more birds of any other species in the same location and at the same time, you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77 - select option 7).

Bird keepers can report suspected case of disease by contacting your local Field Services Office.

In GB, you are legally required to register your birds if you keep more than 50 birds. Keepers with less than 50 birds are strongly encouraged to register. It is also a legal requirement to notify APHA of any significant changes in the average number of birds kept.