The avian influenza (bird flu) prevention zone that was declared on 6th December 2016 by the Scottish Government in response to the spread of the H5N8 strain of the virus in Europe has now been extended to 28th February 2017.

The zone covers the whole of Scotland and it applies to all poultry and captive birds in the country.

All poultry keepers are asked to keep birds indoors, or to take appropriate practical steps to stop them from coming into contact with wild birds.

Since the initial prevention zone was announced, there have now been confirmed cases of the virus in England, Wales and Scotland, making this a biosecurity risk. As well as keeping poultry isolated from wild birds, all keepers should take biosecurity precautions, such as disinfecting footwear, equipment and clothing after coming into contact with birds.

The council’s environmental health team is aware that there are a large numbers of people in Argyll and Bute who keep small numbers of poultry, however, anyone with less than 50 birds is not required to register.

Councillor David Kinniburgh, Policy Lead for Regulatory Services, said: “We would ask that all keepers of poultry and wild birds follow the current advice from the Scottish Government, which is available at: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/animal-welfare/Diseases/disease/avian 

“We would also ask members of the public to notify us of any poultry which is not being kept under cover. You can contact our animal health team on 01546 60 5519 or email AnimalHealth@argyll-bute.gov.uk ”

Further information is available on the council website at: https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/animal-health-and-welfare 

NOTES

Avian influenza is an animal health disease affecting poultry. The risk comes from farmed or domestic poultry coming into contact with wild birds.

The advice from Food Standards Scotland is that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers: http://www.foodstandards.gov.scot/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-advice-f...