Monday February 10th 2025
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
Bird keepers are being instructed to follow strict measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian flu. This is in response to a recent increase in cases of Avian Influenza.
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with mandatory biosecurity measures is now in place in Scotland and England.
The risk to public health from the virus is low. Poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat as long as they are properly cooked.
The AIPZ means bird keepers must:
– Keep free ranging birds within fenced areas, and ponds, watercourses and permanent standing water must be fenced off (except in specific circumstances, e.g. zoo birds)
– Cleanse and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy;
– Minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures;
– Reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas
– Keep domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry
– Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources;
– Feed and water your birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds;
– Familiarise themselves with avian flu advice on the Scottish government website
The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will be in place until further notice and will be kept under regular review to monitor and manage the risks of bird flu.
Wild birds can carry several diseases that are infectious to people. Bird keepers and residents are advised not to touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that they find. Anyone finding a single dead bird of prey, swan, goose, duck or gull or five or more dead wild birds of any other species should report them to the GOV.UK dead bird page.
Councillor Stuart McKenzie, Midlothian Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards matters said:
“We are urging residents and businesses who keep birds, to follow protection/Surveillance Zone restrictions. Please remain vigilant for any signs of disease and report any suspected cases immediately.”
You can treda the full advice from the Scottish Government HERE.
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