Scottish avian influenza prevention zone lifted

Chickens: Picture credit - Fotolia

The avian influenza prevention zone covering Scotland was lifted yesterday, the Scottish Government confirmed.

The zone required bird keepers in all areas of Scotland to put in place enhanced biosecurity measures prior to letting their birds outside, in order to reduce the risk of disease.

The ban on shows and gatherings of poultry, waterfowl and game birds will remain in force until 15 May, when a new general licence will come into force.

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Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy Fergus Ewing said: “This will be welcome news for many keepers who have opted to keep their birds indoors to protect them from a seasonally increased risk from highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8.

“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 said it was “a relief” to see that the risk of HPAI H5N8 in Scotland has reduced.

However, she added that “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,” she said.

“All bird keepers should consider maintaining excellent biosecurity practices like washing boots and equipment with approved disinfectant, implementing effective rodent control, minimising unnecessary visitors and reducing their flock’s contact with wild birds.”